Time in nature benefits your skin!
Surprised?
You probably already know that time in nature is good for you. When you walk in the park, head out to the lake or the beach, or have a picnic in a forest, you’re likely to feel more relaxed and positive.
But beyond the mental and physical benefits we’ve heard about, spending time in natural environments can also significantly contribute to healthier skin. Whether you’re already invested in skincare or just curious about how you may naturally enhance your skin’s health, exploring the outdoors might be the missing element in your routine.
How Time In Nature Benefits Skin—4 Key Ways
Nature offers a holistic approach to skin health by addressing both physical and psychological factors that influence the skin’s appearance.
1. Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. It’s why our proprietary Tri-Rescue anti-inflammatory complex is the foundation of every product and the cornerstone of our brand.
Spending time in nature, surrounded by greenery and fresh air, can help lower levels of inflammation in the body, which in turn, lowers levels in the skin.
A recent study out of Cornell University, for example, found a link between increased exposure to nature and reduced levels of three key inflammatory markers present in the bloodstream. The researchers examined data from over 1,200 adults with an average age of 54.5 years. Over half of the participants (57 percent) were women.
Nature engagement was measured by how often in the last month the participants had appreciated nature, breathed clean air, and seen beautiful scenery.
The results showed that those who had more positive interactions with nature had lower inflammation levels, even when taking into account other factors like age, health habits, medication use, and overall wellness.
2. Lowers Stress Levels
Stress is also a well-known trigger for skin issues. When you feel stressed out—particularly for long periods—the body releases stress hormones like cortisol to deal with it. Cortisol can be helpful in small amounts, but if you are chronically stressed, your body likely has more cortisol than it needs. That can lead to an overproduction of skin oil, a breakdown of collagen and elastin, and increased inflammation.
Indeed, scientists have discovered a clear connection between psychological stress and skin reactions. As we noted in this post on stress and skin, when you experience stress, your skin will feel it too.
Board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr MD, FAAD, states: “Our brain and skin are intimately linked, and they communicate with each other. That means when we experience chronic stress from work, relationships, or current events, the skin is both a target and a source of stress hormones, which can make the skin more vulnerable to itch, inflammation, irritation, and infection.”
Nature acts as a natural stress reliever, helping to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation. According to a 2019 study, spending just 20 minutes connecting with nature helps lower stress hormone levels. Other research shows that being outdoors can relax our minds, boost creativity and problem-solving abilities, reduce stress, lower rates of heart disease, and improve mental health.
All of these benefits enhance the condition of the skin, helping to boost its health and appearance.
Photo by Azgan Mjeshtri via Unsplash.
3. Enhances Circulation
Whenever you engage in physical activity, you improve the blood circulation in your body, which naturally benefits your skin. Blood carries essential nutrients, such as oxygen and vitamins, to all the cells in the body. Improved circulation allows the skin cells to receive a richer supply of nutrients necessary for repair and regeneration.
Efficient blood circulation also helps remove waste products and toxins from the skin cells, preventing the buildup of harmful substances that may contribute to acne, inflammation, and dullness.
Whether you’re walking, biking, hiking, or boating, your physical movement helps enhance your blood circulation, giving you that glow of health.
4. Boosts Vitamin D Levels
Exposure to sunlight is crucial for the production of vitamin D in the skin, which plays a key role in skin cell growth, repair, and metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various skin problems, including dry skin, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and accelerated aging.
Spending time in nature, especially during the early morning hours or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are gentler, can help maintain optimal vitamin D levels for healthy skin. Of course, if you have a skin condition that makes you extra sensitive to the sun, or if you’re very fair-skinned, you have to approach the issue with caution.
It could be that you need to protect yourself with sunscreen and clothing to prevent exposure entirely and turn to vitamin D supplements instead. You may also want to protect your face from the sun, but allow your arms and legs to take some in.
If your skin is normal, you can benefit from spending 10 to 30 minutes in gentle sunlight to help boost your vitamin D levels.
Tips for Incorporating Nature Into Your Skincare Routine
If you’re not sure how to incorporate time in nature into your busy life, here are some ideas.
Schedule Outdoor Activities
Make it a habit to schedule regular outdoor activities like walks in the park, day hikes, gardening, or camping. Aim for at least 30 minutes a couple of times a week.
Embrace Green Spaces
Seek out green spaces such as parks, forests, gardens, river walks, nearby lakes, and more in your area. Find those that are closest to you that you can enjoy regularly.
Practice Mindfulness
Use any time you have outside to practice mindfulness and reduce stress. Pay attention to the trees, the sounds of birds, and the feel of the breeze. Your focus can help you benefit more from any time you may have.
Shop at Farmer’s Markets
Skip the grocery store and peruse your local farmer’s market. Immerse yourself in fresh fruit, produce, flowers, and other products. This will get you outside and help focus your attention on natural products. You’ll eat better, too!
Plant a Garden
Tending to a garden forces you to spend time outside because you have to take care of it. You’ll be surrounded by green things, dirt, and fresh air, and as the produce grows, you’ll have a lot to show for your efforts.
Take Up an Outdoor Hobby
Hiking, fishing, trail running, and birding are only a handful of the many outdoor hobbies we all have to choose from. Find one that interests you and create your own outdoor adventure.
Use Natural and Safe Skincare Products
Extend the benefits of nature to your skincare routine by choosing products that contain natural ingredients known for their skin-soothing and antioxidant properties. CV Skinlabs products all contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and natural ingredients that help reduce inflammation, protect from the elements, and repair and regenerate, all while and providing skin with the nutrients it needs to look and feel its best.
Do you regularly spend time in nature?
Featured image by Gary Barnes via Pexels.