Protecting Your Skin From Environmental Damage
- Posted on: Apr 7 2014
Protect against environmental skin damage.
The longer, warmer days of Spring and Summer are rapidly approaching and many of us will trade the treadmill for the open air. This is a great time to review your plan for skin protection while recreating and exercising outdoors.
Your skin can be sensitive to the environment around you. Outdoor activity from gardening to exercising outdoors may increase your potential for problematic skin due to increased environmental exposure, sweating, bacteria, dryness and other irritations. Even if you cannot limit your exposure, you can prevent damage if you are prepared.
Sun Damage
Many athletes spend a great deal of time outdoors and must be aware of the damage that the sun can do. In a recent article published in the US News & World Report Health, 78% of adult runners admitted to skipping sunscreen on their daily run. The sun’s UV rays cause damage that can lead to premature skin aging, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and even skin cancer.
Whether you are running, walking or just relaxing outside, you can help prevent the damage caused by UV rays by applying sunscreen to all exposed skin surfaces. Researchers agree that the SPF rating is not completely accurate; therefore you should look for the most effective ingredients in UV protection, Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. Choose a sunscreen which provides broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, such as DermaSpaRx Sun Protection System.
Be sure to apply sunscreen before your activity and again every two hours as the day goes on, you sweat, etc. Even if your sunscreen is waterproof, you still need to re-apply throughout your sun exposure.
Limit your skin’s exposure whenever possible with light-weight, UV protective clothing. In addition, make sure you shield your eyes, top of your head and face with a hat and sunglasses. While providing a shield from the sun, they will also help prevent squinting, which can lead to wrinkles and fine lines.
Swimming
Swimmers who do their workouts in chlorinated pools are likely to wash off the skin’s natural oils and sebum. Lipids and sebum are the skin’s natural moisturizer, protectant and lubricant. You need to replenish the skin’s oils with a good moisturize like DERMAspaRX Moisturizing Repair Cream or you may experience excessive dryness, redness, irritation and inflammation that may contribute to acne breakouts.
Dry Air
Skin dryness is common among athletes, especially in transitional seasons and arid climates. Low humidity causes dry, irritated skin that may itch and flake off. Areas of the skin which are thinner, such as the face, hands and feet, are more susceptible to dryness. Protect your skin before heading out into dry air and replenish your skin after your workout with an intense moisturizer like Hydrating B Serum.
Extreme Heat
With Spring and Summer come increased temperatures. Exposure to extreme heat can cause many problems for your skin, including heat rash and prickly heat, which is common among athletes. Prickly heat occurs as a rash on the chest and arms when pores become clogged, leading to overheating. Take breaks from the heat and wear loose clothing, as the condition is exacerbated by friction.
Don’t let the damage you are doing to your skin outweigh the good you are doing for your body. Be aware of the environmental factors you are dealing with when you exercise outdoors and do your best to prevent these factors from affecting your skin.
Posted in: Blog Post