Ask anyone and they will have a different answer to the question, "What is your favorite season." Some love the warmth and fun of the summer months. Others are big on the ski slopes and hot cocoa of the winter. As we're coming up on a changing of the seasons, it's only right to highlight another answer, fall.
There are so many reasons to love fall. The change in weather can signal a time for pumpkin spice everything and warm cozy sweaters. It is a time where kids are heading back to school and offices are buzzing with all the people who were away on summer vacation and are now back in action. It is most definitely a time of the year filled with change.
As we start to approach this season of change it is important to remember that you should also take a look at your skincare routine and decide what needs changing as we move away from the heat of the summer and into a season of dryness and cold air, your skin may need more attention then it got over the last few months. This is especially true if you are planning to participate in any activity that is outside during the fall.
One of our favorite outdoor activities to participate in during the fall is also one of the best things for your skin as well, that is hiking. Hiking this time of year is one of the most exhilarating and enjoyable ways to get your exercise in and the changing views of our surrounding landscapes can be breathtaking. Spending time among the leaves as they change from the summer green to the yellows, reds and oranges is one of life's great pleasures. As mentioned above, it is also great for your skin.
Why is hiking so good for your skin?
First, it's important to understand that any physical activity that gets your heart rate up and your blood pumping can be good for your skin. Good circulation is one of the best things you can do for your skin. If you're out in the cool temperatures of the fall and you're on a rigorous hike you can be giving your skin a nice boost as you head into the colder temperatures of the winter.
Second, getting out in the sun, especially the fall sun is great to get exposure to Vitamin D which promotes healthy skin. While it is important to get some sun exposure, this one comes with a caveat and that is you should always make sure you are applying sunscreen, yes even in the fall, to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays that the sun will expose it to.
Finally, getting out on a hike is good for your mental health and one of the most underrated ways to keep your skin (and your body) healthy is by making sure your mental health is in good order. Spending time among nature, disconnected from the world around you can do wonders for your mental health. If you are able to do this once every few days you will be able to keep a strong mental health which will be good for your skin overall.
Spending time among nature is always a good thing when it comes to keeping your skin alive and refreshed. If you can find ways to incorporate a healthy hike or just a light walk into your daily routine it will be a nice and unexpected addition to your skincare routine. We are firm believers that a skincare routine needs to be about more then what you put on your face to keep it looking youthful and beautiful, but also about what you do TO your skin, include keeping it exposed to the natural beauty all around us.
