With our beautiful coasts and equally stunning mountains and native bush, most Kiwis are at heart lovers of the outdoor lifestyle. But the natural elements – sun, wind and salt air can be very harsh on your skin and as it’s your body’s largest and arguably most important organ this is really about health more so than simply beauty. So before you head out on your next summer adventure let’s look at how you can offer the best protection for your skin.
1. Keep hydrated with water and good fats
Skin has a large surface area and is constantly exposed to environmental elements. Staying hydrated by drinking water and consuming water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables helps support skin elasticity and function. Including good quality fats and essential fatty acids in your diet – like those from avocado, oily fish, raw nuts and seeds – can help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and moisture levels.
2. Deep cleanse for efficient elimination
Your skin plays a key role in helping your body eliminate waste through sweat and natural oils. These functions are especially important in the heat and during outdoor activities. Clogged pores – from sunscreen, environmental particles, or dead skin – can make this process less efficient. Choose deodorants over antiperspirants to allow the skin to sweat naturally, and treat your skin to a gentle exfoliation once or twice a week using a simple scrub made from sugar and nourishing oils like coconut, avocado or olive oil.
3. Support from sunburn and windburn
We’re all familiar with the message to slip, slop, slap and wrap – using clothing, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses to limit sun exposure. While it’s beneficial to get some sunlight for natural vitamin D production, you also want to avoid overexposure. A short daily exposure, depending on your skin tone, can be enough – just ensure it’s well before any burning occurs. If you plan to be outside longer, cover up or use a natural sunscreen. Don’t forget often-overlooked areas like your lips and ears.
4. Nourish from the inside out
4. Nourish from the Inside Out
Sun and wind exposure can affect not just the surface of the skin but deeper layers as well. Support your skin’s resilience by consuming antioxidant-rich foods such as dark-coloured fruits and vegetables. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, along with plant-based compounds including coenzyme Q10, resveratrol and polyphenols (found in green tea, grape seed and pine bark extracts), are known to support overall skin health.
5. Soothe and support skin recovery
If your skin feels dry or weathered after a day outdoors, consider ways to help it recover naturally. Topical lotions can assist in soothing dryness, while nutrition also plays a key role. Increasing antioxidant-rich foods and incorporating nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids (from oily fish or flax), and plant compounds like curcumin (found in turmeric), can support the skin’s natural repair processes. Vitamins A, C and E, along with zinc, are also important for skin maintenance. These nutrients are often found in fresh produce, good fats, and whole foods like nuts, legumes, mushrooms, and pumpkin seeds.
With these five tips, you can enjoy your summer adventures while supporting your skin’s health and appearance. When choosing skincare products, look for simpler, natural formulations with ingredients you can recognise. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) offers a helpful free resource to check skincare ingredients and their safety ratings.
For quality omega 3 essential fatty acids and antioxidant blends, check out our Lester’s Oil and Res-V Ultimate – formulated to support your wellbeing from the inside out.
