Healthy Skin - Excessive Exposure to Elements Sun and Wind

A lot of people do not realize that the environment they live in has a big effect on their skin. Whether you live in a hot desert area or lower temperature environment, taking the correct precautions in different weather elements for your skin is an important factor to having healthy skin. Weather elements like sun and wind not only make your skin more prone to oils and dirt but can also have longer term effects like wrinkles and blemishes. Depending on your skin type - normal, dry, oily, or sensitive, long sun exposure can make your skin more oily and wind can dry your skin out. When it comes to weather elements, it's good to know the do’s and don'ts to keeping your skin fresh, clean and protected.

Sun

Long sun exposure is something that can have major effects on your skin. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause significant damage to your skin. The most common effects are wrinkles, sunspots and oily skin (you would think the opposite). The most important factor for skin in the sun is protection. Most times we try to protect by adding more make up or excessive sunscreen to our faces, but in reality that could be weighing your skin down and making it more likely to attract dirt in pores, especially for people with oily-type skin. It is important to remember to apply sunscreen to your face and body periodically but only the amount recommended on the label. You know your skin better than anyone; If your skin gets too oily, try adding gel-type skin care products that will not add too much moisture to your skin but just enough for your skin care program.

Wind

For people in more dry, windy weather it can be tricky to defend your skin in these conditions. Especially during the winter - cold, dry weather dries out your skin faster than normal and can make it more chapped and cause it to peel. Wind is brutal to the skin as well. If your skin is normally dry it is important to keep your face moisturized, and to retain that moisture in your skin by using a moisturizer throughout the day. Applying lip balm (proactively) will keep your lips hydrated and less likely to chap, but don’t use petroleum based products as they have the opposite effect you desire. Be sure to do this before you head out into the wind.

Your face is more likely to be exposed during this time but don’t neglect the rest of your body either - your elbows, legs and knees can be stripped of moisture as well, so apply lotions, oils or moisturizers to these areas. If you know you're going to spend an extended period of time outdoors in cold, windy weather, you should layer on a series of products to build a barrier between the elements and your exposed skin. This will help keep you protected from the harsh conditions and maintain your healthy skin.

Remember, finding the right moisturizer for your skin and environment is a must. It is a key element to any skin care program and is important in any weather condition.

Look for our next article that talks about which products are and aren’t so effective for your skin.