While genetics play a major role in how our skin ages, so does the world around us. Nowadays, our skin deals with many stressors from the environment, like pollution and weather, that impact our skin’s health and radiance. Fortunately, by understanding these factors and taking steps to protect ourselves, we can minimize their negative impact on our skin. 

External Factors and Their Impact: 

1. Fluctuating Temperatures

Our skin thrives on consistency, so when factors like weather change, our skin can suffer. And living in a region like Ohio means experiencing drastic temperature changes –– some of which happen overnight. These fluctuations can strip our skin of moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, and even exacerbating conditions like eczema and rosacea.

In colder weather, oil production often worsens, as the skin is trying to protect itself from the dry indoor heat. Additionally, humidity levels also play a crucial role in skin hydration. Humid climates soften the skin and maintain fullness, while dryer climates can dehydrate the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles more prominent. 

How to protect your skin: 

• Use a humidifier to counteract the drying effects of indoor heating systems, helping you maintain optimal moisture levels in the air and prevent your skin from becoming excessively dry. 
• Dress for the weather: Layer clothing in cold weather to trap heat and protect against the elements; opt for breathable fabrics in warmer weather to stay cool and sweat-free.  
• Keep your skin hydrated by using a moisturizer containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. Apply moisturizer after showering or bathing to lock in moisture and prevent water loss throughout the day. 

2. UV Damage

The sun is often the first factor that comes to mind when thinking about environmental stressors for skin, and for good reason. UVB and UVA rays present significant dangers to our complexion: UVB rays penetrate the outer skin layers, causing sunburn and suntan, while UVA rays penetrate deeply, inducing genetic damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.

How to protect your skin: 

• Make sunscreen a daily essential, regardless of weather conditions or indoor activities, opting for broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30 or higher. Seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize UV exposure. 

3. Blue Light

Blue light, emitted by our computer screens and phones, possesses a high-energy wavelength that penetrates the skin deeper than both UVA and UVB rays, reaching down to the third layer. This deep penetration triggers the production of free radicals in the skin, hastening the visible signs of aging such as dark spots, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.

How to protect your skin: 

• Try SkinMedica’s LUMIVIVE® System, a two-part system designed to provide a bio-barrier against blue light and other environmental aggressors from damaging skin during the day, while recharging the skin’s essential repair process at night. 

4. Wind Damage

While the sun’s harmful effects on our skin are well-documented, what about the wind? If you’ve ever been outside on a cold, blustery day, then you might be familiar with the burning and redness your skin might endure as a result. That’s because exposure to wind can result in skin dryness and weakening, increasing vulnerability to sunburn.

How to protect your skin: 

• Moisturize your skin with a thicker moisturizer and apply sunscreen to create a protective barrier prior to outdoor activities. 
• Shield your face from the wind by wearing a hat, scarf, or balaclava, especially in extreme weather conditions. 

5. Air Pollution

Environmental pollutants like ozone, vehicle exhaust and cigarette smoke emit free radicals, which wreak havoc on our skin by accelerating aging. These unstable molecules damage collagen and elastin, resulting in the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin.

How to protect your skin:  

• Boost your diet with antioxidant-rich fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrots, oranges, kiwi, red peppers, spinach, and asparagus. These foods are packed with beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, and A, essential for combating the damage inflicted by free radicals. 
• Use antioxidant-rich skincare products containing ingredients like vitamin C and E. 

By embracing a proactive approach to skincare, including habits like regular sunscreen application, moisturizing, and integrating antioxidant-rich foods and skincare products into our daily routines, we can effectively counteract the harmful impacts of environmental stressors on our skin.

At Timeless, we offer a range of treatments and expert guidance to address the visible signs of aging caused by environmental stressors, helping you maintain healthy, vibrant skin despite the external stressors of today’s world.