The Environment’s Impact on the Health of the Skin

Ever wonder why you feel constant changes in your skin? The skin often is in a constant battle with the environment and surroundings. Changes in nature affect your skin directly and impact the skin’s health aggravating the process of photoaging. Let’s take a look at how some of the environmental factors have an impact on the health of the skin.

 

SUN

Basking in the sun on the beach or beside a pool sounds great. The sun is not only about warmth, tan, and vitamin D. It brings UV rays along with it which causes sunburns and damages your skin. So, better be careful when stepping out in the sun. Wear long-brimmed hats and sun protective clothing, apply physical sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, and take shade whenever possible.

 

AIR POLLUTION

Living in a city or urban area has its own perks, but it brings along a daily share of air pollution. Smog, dust, and smoke can clog your pores and break havoc on your skin. This opens the doors for skin breakouts, acne, pimples, etc. Air pollution is not limited to just cities, it exists everywhere. Pollution is like a disaster you have no control over. All you can do is look for ways that help fight pollution and keep your skin safe. Cleansing works best against pollution. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser to cleanse your skin while washing your face. It’ll keep the dirt off your skin and keep your skin healthy.

 

CHILLY WINTER BREEZES

Winter feels good. Cool breezes and sipping coffee by the fireplace feel magical. But the chilly winds strip off the moisture from your skin. This leads to dry, flaky, and rough patches on the skin which causes irritation. So, apply a good non-comedogenic moisturizer every day to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. Take extra care if you have a dry skin type, winter is harsher on sensitive or dry skin type.

 

HUMIDITY

This can be your friend or your foe, it all depends on your skin type. If you have dry skin, the humidity can help to keep your skin moist. On the contrary, if you have an oily skin type, humidity will make your skin greasy and can lead to skin breakouts like acne. So, find the right balance and use the moisturizer accordingly. The moisturizer should be non-comedogenic, and the right one for your skin type. Maintaining the balance will work wonders and keep your skin vibrant in a humid climate.

 

ALLERGENS

Ever experienced an unexpected skin breakout after a walk outside? That’s allergens for you. A walk in the park or a forest trail sounds lovely, but you can be at high risk as nature is packed with allergens. These include plants, pollens, insects, etc., and have a great ability to irritate your skin and trigger rashes and allergies. Make sure you cover yourself with proper clothing while going out and you can opt for an anti-allergy cream to counter allergies.

 

UV RADIATION AND POLLUTION

This is one of the major causes of oxidative stress. In this, free radicals are created that damage the skin cells and proteins, causing a huge damage to the skin. When there’s prolonged exposure to UV radiation, it causes premature aging causing fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity. You can combat oxidate stress by using skin products that have antioxidants.

 

Our skin adapts to the changes in the environment, but it doesn’t mean to ignore your skin. Understand what harms your skin and take precautionary measures to protect it from the environment. Love your skin and keep it healthy!