As a result of having spent an excessive amount of time outdoors, we have learned a few natural, easy to overlook ways to protect your skin from some of the harshest elements the planet has to offer.
Here are the ones that have worked well for us in the past:
1. Keep your skin dry
This should go without saying but ALWAYS try to stay as dry as possible.
Wet skin loses three times more heat than dry skin. If your clothes get wet, take them off and let them dry before putting them back on. Wet, cold clothes can speed up hypothermia and can waterlog your skin making it more vulnerable.
2. Create your own natural insect barrier
Skip the hardcore DEET products and create your own barrier you can apply at any moment to protect your skin. Mix four parts vegetable oil with two parts aloe vera gel and one part cedar oil.
Apply the liquid barrier liberally on your face, hands, and neck. Reapply as often as you’d like.
3. Take a skin supplement pill
There are certain fern extracts that studies have shown can help guard your skin from dangerous UV rays and can even allow your skin to heal more quickly after prolonged exposure.
The ingredient you’re looking for is Polypodium leucotomos, it is available in many different forms over the counter.
4. Stay away from the OTC meds
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can thin your blood and make you extra-sensitive to the sun. If you know you are going to be outside for extended periods of time, try and skip these medications.
5. Be aware of your altitude
The higher up you go, the more exposed you are to dangerous UV rays. If you are at elevation make sure to take the extra effort to apply sunscreen or keep a protective barrier between your skin and the elements.
6. Raspberries are your friends
Raspberry seed oil is one of natures best skin protectors. With a SPF value of 45+ for UVB rays, it is easily one of the best options you can find if you are looking for an alternative to more traditional sun screen options.
7. Load up on green tea
Drinking green tea regularly, or any other beverage which contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been proven effective at blocking UVB-induced infiltration from leukocytes which are highly oxidative free radicals.
8. Tend to cracked and dry skin
If you’re not adequately able to protect your skin and it ends up red, drying or cracking, look for anything to soothe your damaged skin with. Look for petroleum jelly, natural aloe plants, lip balm or anything which you can use to help treat your damaged skin.
9. Stay away from the hot shower
A super hot, long shower might sound great right before, or after a day outdoors but try as hard as you can to stay away from it and seek out lukewarm water instead. Hot water can strip skin of natural oils, cause swelling and can damage skin.
Have any more? Let us know.