If you are working outside for part of your job, or if your job includes being outside every single day, we recommend you keep reading. Having a job that includes outdoor work, exposes your skin to a variety of environmental factors that can accelerate damage to your skin, aging, and increase the risk of skin diseases. It does not matter what part of your skin is exposed, weather stressors such as the harsh rays of the sun, pollution and fluctuating weather conditions will take a significant toll on your skin. It is therefore crucial to adopt a consistent skincare routine.
In this article, we will cover why taking care of your skin is important, especially when working outdoors. We will discuss specific risks associated with environmental exposure, offer skincare tips, and recommend specific products that can help protect and nourish your skin. Whether you work as a farmer, lifeguard, a construction worker, or any other jobs that require being outside, understanding and implementing a solid skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
Understanding the risks of working outside
Sun exposure and UV radiation
One of the most obvious risk of working outside is the sun exposure and ultra violet radiation. The UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun, and other sources such as tanning beds and a certain type of lamp. UV radiation has both positive and negative consequences. In small amounts, UV radiation helps with the production of vitamin D in the skin, which is important for bone health and the immune system. Over- and unprotected exposure to UV radiation on the other hand, can lead to skin damage, sunburn, premature aging, eye damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Environmental pollution
Environmental pollution is also considered a risk when working outside. Pollutants affect the skin in multiple ways and can cause both immediate and long-term damage. Some of the immediate consequences of environmental pollution include clogged pores, irritation and breakouts. Some of the long-term impacts of environmental pollution include: premature aging and skin damage. This is caused by the pollutants ability to penetrate the skin and disruption of your cells, the skins immune response.
Weather extremes
When working outside, there is also the factor of wind, cold, and heat on the skin. All of these factors have different effects on the skin. You may for example experience windburn, dryness and heat rash. Weather extremes include harsh sun, cold temperature, wind, and humidity variations. The hot weather and change in humidity is causing your body to sweat more in order to cool down. Excessive sweating leads to clogged pores and acne breakouts, particularly in areas like the face, back, and chest. Sweating also makes the skin lose its moisture and become dehydrated. The cold weather can cause dry and cracked skin, chapped lips and eczema flare-ups.
Skincare tips outdoor workers
Taking care of your skin does not need to be expensive, nor take up much of your time. Our main recommendation is to wear sunscreen every day. We recommend you use a sunscreen with SPF 50 for maximum protection. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Ultra-Light Fluid is a highly recommended sunscreen for all skin types. This specific sunscreen is known for its extremely high UVA/UVB facial sun protection. It was developed with sensitive skin at the focus and is perfect for those whose skin is more sensitised. It is non-perfumed and very water resistant.
Buy the La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Ultra-Light here.
The next recommendation is to implement a cleansing routine. We recommend the CeraVe foaming facial cleanser. This cleanser is a refreshing cleanser for normal to oily skin. The cleanser contains three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help maintain the skins barrier, attract hydration and calm the skin. Developed with dermatologists, this refreshing formula is an effective yet non-irritating way to cleanse and care for normal to oily skin. This cleanser helps remove pollutants and sweat, as well as it gets your sunscreen off easily, preventing your skin to breakout from SPF. It helps calm the skin and retain the skins natural moisture. It is non-irritating and fragrance free.
Buy the CeraVe foaming facial cleanser here.
The next recommendation is to moisturise your skin every morning and night. It is very important to maintain your skins hydration. The moisturising cream from CeraVe is rich, non-greasy, fast absorbing. It is mainly for normal to dry skin and goes on both the face and body. This moisturiser is formulated with three essential ceramides. The way it works, is that it locks in your skins moisture and help maintain your skins protective barrier. This is essential for a healthy-looking skin. The skin barrier works to keep moisture in and irritant out. This helps prevent skin concerns such as dry and itchy skin.
It can be used on most skin types, however it is especially beneficial if you have dry and sensitive skin. The formula is fragrance-free, allergy-tested, and non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog your pores. The cream can be applied as a face cream twice a day, implemented in both your day-time and night-time skincare routine. For your body, apply liberally as often as needed.
Buy the CeraVe moisturising cream here.
Understanding the risk of working outside, and the damage it can have on your skin is very important. By implementing the mentioned recommendations you help mitigate the risk and get a more healthy skin.
