The Environment and You

Most people think of the environment as a good thing. They think of grassy hills, sparkling water, and the need to protect the planet. But the environment isn't just something that needs protection from humans, its something humans need protection against, especially the skin on their faces, hands and feet. Did you know that most spa treatments, creams and oils were designed to protect and repair the skin on the face from the effects of the wind and sun? And it's not just those who work outside, like park rangers or landscapers whose bodies suffer from the effects of the environment. Even a stock broker or the director of a Toronto executive recruiting firm is effected by his or her environment.

You see, the environment is not just what you see outside - ground, trees, the sun, wind. It's everywhere around you, even inside buildings. Going inside is a way of controlling the climate but not eliminating it. For example, have you ever visited the real estate in London with the expensive heating and air conditioning systems? Heating and cooling the air has an effect on your skin as does humidity, which is often controlled in buildings by humidifiers and de-humidifiers.

Artificial heating is not just for tumble-dryers. Just as womens pants in the dryer have moisture sucked out of them by the heat, so too will your heating system dry out your face and hands if you aren't careful to keep your apartment or office properly humidified. Skin can become itchy, irritated and flaky when too dry, so if you spend all your time inside and are thinking about seeking eczema treatment because you don't think the environment could be causing it, try a humidifier first and see if the situation doesn't improve.

Your face, hands, and feet are the most likely parts of your body to suffer the effects of the environment. Faces and hands are usually always exposed and are often the first to feel the effects. It's not just the construction workers who are outside all day carrying out your one storey house plans who are effected by the sun and the wind. Biking to the grocery store, catching the bus, and walking to and from your car will expose your face to enough sunlight to cause damage over time.

Now, this doesn't mean you should be alarmist about your face. You don't need to run down to the discount postcard printing place on the corner and start running off leaflets about how everyone needs to lock themselves in a dark room forever. It just means you should be smart about your exposure. Wear a hat in the bright sun and gloves in the cold wind. Use moisturizer and sunscreen. Keep the thermostat and humidistat at appropriate levels. These are just some of the simplest ways to preserve your beauty without expensive spa treatments. Keep reading through the series of articles for more helpful tips.