Did you know that spending at least 120 minutes each week in nature is directly correlated with improved mental, physical, and emotional health? As we welcome the transition into warmer weather and longer days, we’re talking about the endless benefits of spending more time outdoors as well as tips to protect your skin from the elements.

Green Space Benefits

There’s nothing quite like Colorado fresh air and sunshine to put a smile on your face, and the benefits don’t stop there.

Reduces Stress

Spending time in green, outdoor spaces reduces your cortisol (stress hormone), and lowers your blood pressure. It also helps you take your mind off of the pressure you may be feeling in work or in your personal life.

Improves Mood

Being in nature can boost your endorphin levels as well as your dopamine production, helping you feel more fulfilled and recharging your mind. Even just a quick mid-workday walk can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the rest of the day.

Promotes Healing

Spending time outside stimulates all of your senses much more so than being indoors. This can help to reduce pain signals being sent to your brain. Other healing properties associated with time in nature include reduced muscle tension and heart rate.

A study of 20,000 people, led by Mathew White of the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter, discovered people who spent just two hours a week in outdoor green spaces were more likely to report feelings of good physical and physiological well-being. The 120 minutes could be all at once or spread over the course of the week.

By spending time in nature, your nervous system arousal will reduce, immune system function improves, anxiety reduces, and overall mood and self-esteem are boosted.

Increases Vitamin D Levels

It’s no secret that Vitamin D is made in the skin when exposed to sunlight, and Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common medical conditions across the world. Among the many benefits of Vitamin D, it regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body, resulting in healthy teeth, bones, and muscles, and can protect against a wide range of diseases.

According to an article published by the Harvard Medical School, you can make all the Vitamin D you need by just exposing your skin to the sun for 10 to 15 minutes a few times every week. This is not to say that a good SPF isn’t a necessity for long periods of sun exposure, but we’ll talk more about that below.

Improves Self-Esteem

Along with improving your overall mood, spending consistent time outdoors can have a notable effect on your self-esteem, especially if you are exercising during these periods. Studies by the University of Essex found that even short periods of green activity like walking, biking, or even gardening, can boost self-esteem.

Bonus: when exercising outdoors, the surrounding distractions will take your mind off of the activity at hand, resulting in a greater chance of a longer workout than if you were inside.

Protecting Your Skin

Now that we’ve gone over the endless benefits of spending time outside for your mental, physical, and emotional health, let’s talk about protecting your precious skin from the elements. While your skin naturally produces sebum to protect from the daily environmental aggressors, it is still important to take precautionary measures, as this skin barrier can be broken down by things like sun, pollution, harsh weather, and wind.

Sun Protection

Did you know it only takes 15 minutes or less in the sun to damage unprotected skin? Luckily, there are plenty of easy solutions to prevent sun damage!

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Keep in mind that even when the sun isn’t blasting, you’ll want to apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to any exposed skin. Sunscreen also wears off, so be sure to reapply if you are outside for more than two hours.

Don’t forget sunglasses. Protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important as protecting your skin. Just make sure to select sunglasses with UV protection

Choose the right clothing. As the temperatures start to rise again, it’s tempting to opt for shorts and a tank top, but your skin will thank you if you choose lightweight long pants or skirts, and tops that cover your shoulders. A wide-brimmed hat is another simple and effective way to cover your face and neck. Ball caps, while shading your face, do not offer protection for your neck and ears.

Pollution Protection

Similar to UV light, air pollution poses a serious risk to your skin health. Whether you live in an urban area or a rural setting, you can come into contact with pollution particles everywhere. So, how can you protect your skin from these particles?

Cleanse your face at the end of each day to remove buildup and prevent clogged pores. Make sure to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser in order not to dry out your skin.

Exfoliate once or twice a week to detoxify your skin and remove dirt and dead skin cells. Elemental Herbology’s Skin Resurfacing Pads and Color Up Therapeutics’ Refine Facial Scrub are both great options! In a dry climate like Colorado, it is important not to over exfoliate. Based on your specific skin type needs, once or twice a week is plenty.

Facial Mists are a simple yet effective way to protect your skin from common environmental aggressors. Our favorite facial mists also provide instant hydration, support moisture balance, and restore radiance for a naturally glowing complexion.

Antioxidants can disarm free radicals to prevent skin damage and support optimal skin health. Try a serum high in antioxidants after cleansing, like Elemental Herbology’s Cell Nourish Serum.

Now that you have the tools to protect your skin from the elements, we hope you can get outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather!

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