Getting Outdoors More Means having to Take Even Better Care of Your Skin
“The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” ~ Harriet Ann Jacobs
Spring has sprung; and that means that people spend more time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine after their winter hibernations. It also means that we need to be vigilant about taking care of our skin from exposure to the elements. Sun, wind and environmental detritus can damage even healthy skin, but a proactive skin care regimen can protect against harm – and help reverse damage – restoring our epidermis to a healthy, youthful feeling and appearance.
As much as Spring provides a fresh beginning and a restorative time for nature; so too do treatments such as facials, body cleansing treatments and massages provide new beginnings for face, body, mind and soul. These restorative techniques keep skin refreshed, pliable and hydrated; building up a resistance against the natural elements of the environment – so we can enjoy the great outdoors!
Covering our skin with creams, lotions and oils; along with washing with harsh chemicals are some of the things that we tend to do in order to ‘help’ our skin. The reality is we may be doing more harm than good as we are potentially washing away the good bacteria that help us maintain our health.
According to author and Building Biology practitioner Andrea Fabry in ‘4 Ways to Protect Your Skin Microbiome,’ Covering our skin with petroleum-based chemicals may be one of our most hazardous modern day practices. Research shows that our skin contains billions of valuable microbial allies that leave us vulnerable when wiped away.’
She suggests that bathing too frequently robs our skin of its natural antibiotics; and that we use skin care products that ‘work with our microbiome rather than against it,’ including sunscreen:
” Sunscreens typically block UVB rays but not UVA rays. The UVA rays are responsible for the majority of skin problems due to overexposure. For this reason, a sunscreen with a mineral such as zinc oxide is recommended as it offers UVA protection. Be sure to choose non-nano zinc oxide to avoid health complications that can arise from manipulation of materials at the microscopic level.”
A professional esthetician will work with you – offering the best consultation for your unique skin type and lifestyle; providing a regimen that will help protect you while you enjoy the great outdoors this spring and summer. So get out there and have fun!
Skin Care Blog 