5 Ways Living in the PNW Keeps My Skin Hydrated and Glowing - A Pacific Northwest Skin Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Skincare Lovers

Living in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is truly special. From its stunning landscapes to its thriving culture, there's so much to love. As a skincare enthusiast, I find the unique environment here especially interesting for its impact on our skin. The moist air and regular rainfall do more than nourish the trees; they also keep our skin glowing and hydrated. In this post, I’ll highlight five reasons why living in the PNW is a total win for our skin.

Why the PNW is a Skincare Haven

The Pacific Northwest is not just a beautiful place to live; it also offers exceptional benefits for our skin. Here are five compelling reasons to embrace this unique region.

1. The Moist Air Keeps Skin Hydrated

One of the greatest joys of living in the PNW is the consistently moist air. The average relative humidity here often hovers around 75%. This higher humidity means our skin can absorb the moisture it needs. Unlike in drier climates, where skin may feel tight and parched, the PNW offers an ideal environment for natural hydration. For much of the year, we enjoy nature's moisturizer — rain.

Imagine stepping outside on a misty morning; it feels as if Mother Nature has sprinkled a hydrating serum on your skin. Studies show that maintaining humidity can reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by up to 50%. This benefit is especially important for those battling dry skin. The natural humidity here provides a long-lasting, dewy complexion.

Let me explain transepidermal water loss a bit more.

TEWL refers to water evaporating from the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) into the surrounding air. It's a natural occurrence, but excessive TEWL leads to dry, dehydrated skin. This is why we must be more conscious of our skin care, especially during the summer months. Thankfully, with the PNW's humidity, Mother Nature helps keep TEWL in check 75% of the year!

2. Natural Rain Is a Skin Superfood

In the Pacific Northwest, rain isn't just a weather event; it's like a gentle hug from Mother Nature for our skin! Rainwater, which is low in minerals and free from the chemicals found in tap water, serves as a natural humectant. Plus, its pH level is very close to our skin's ideal balance of around 5.5-5.9. With our skin's natural pH ranging from 4.7 to 5.7, it's clear that the moist air and rainwater work together to nourish our skin.

Did you know rainwater contains beneficial elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium? This regular exposure helps prevent dryness and breakouts by retaining our skin's natural oils. After a heavy downpour, everything feels fresh and alive, enhancing our skin's vitality. Research suggests that being in nature can boost serotonin levels, leading to a happier and healthier skin glow. After a rainstorm, my skin feels refreshed, ready to face any line or wrinkle!

3. The PNW’s Abundant Flora Contributes to Healthy Skin

Not only is the PNW a feast for the eyes, but its rich variety of plants also brings fantastic perks for your skin! Local favorites like rosemary, aloe vera, and calendula are often included in skincare goodies because of their calming effects. These natural wonders can soothe irritation and boost moisture levels. You'll find many of these fabulous ingredients in products from Face It Skin, all crafted with your skincare needs in mind!

As a makeup artist, esthetician, and skincare enthusiast, I love sourcing from local ingredient suppliers that embrace these natural elements. For instance, a serum containing locally sourced lavender can improve skin healing by 40%. I know of a serum with organic lavender that helps with post-peel recovery and graceful aging! Exploring the outdoors continually inspires my skincare treatments, proving that the PNW is a treasure trove for skincare solutions at my esthetics practice.

4. Mild Evenings: The Perfect Time for Skincare Routines

The Pacific Northwest is known for its mild evenings most of the year, setting the stage for effective nighttime skincare routines. After a day spent hiking or strolling along the coast, there's something refreshing about tending to your skin before bed. Spending just 10 minutes on your nighttime routine can significantly enhance hydration levels overnight, improving your overall sense of well-being.

I usually leave one window open a few inches as a natural humidifier. The cool, moist evening air recharges my skin while I sleep. Using hydrating masks or oils can rejuvenate my skin overnight. A simple routine, like applying Luxe Potion, Toptox, and Refreshing Retinol Cream, sealed with Hydra Boost Toner, can enhance skin texture by up to 30% — truly worth the effort.

5. An Outdoor Lifestyle Promotes Healthy Skin

Living in the PNW allows for endless outdoor activities, from hiking in lush forests to lounging on tranquil beaches. Exposure to fresh air and natural sunlight (even on cloudy days) is vital for our skin. Natural light assists our bodies in producing vitamin D, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and enhancing collagen production by 25%!

However, don't confuse this with sunbathing. Direct sun exposure can actually deplete collagen and accelerate aging. Just 10-12 minutes of natural light every day will suffice. Always wear sunscreen, especially while hiking!

Moreover, staying active outdoors promotes blood circulation, resulting in a healthy glow and a fitter body. Exercise combined with being in nature lowers stress. Ever done yoga in the park? It transforms exercise into a stimulating experience! As stress decreases, so does skin texture, reflecting improvements. I can feel rejuvenation wash over me every time I step outside, whether it's a walk through Happy Valley or a hike anywhere else in the area.

Embracing the Beauty of the PNW

Life in the Pacific Northwest brings countless benefits for our skin. From the moist air and nurturing rain to the abundance of natural flora and an active outdoor lifestyle, this region provides everything needed to keep our skin radiant. As a passionate skincare lover, I appreciate the unique gifts of the PNW, which have inspired new products launching in April!

Exciting New Products

Our serene Pacific Northwest inspired me to create a new mask made from blueberries and cranberries — all locally grown! These powerful antioxidants help combat free radicals in this resurfacing mask. Enriched with apricots and apples, this take-home peel is meant for those seeking more than an exfoliating mask. It combines glycolic and lactic acids, whipped with oxygen to enhance cell metabolism, improve product penetration, and potentially reduce inflammation.

Another product debuting at the same time is the Double Firm Neck Cream, containing an abundance of PNW ingredients. This cream works on the skin matrix to firm our neck skin, and I'm thrilled for you to try it! Our new product release party will be in April.

In Summary

So, whether you're a skincare enthusiast or someone who loves the outdoors, the PNW has something to offer for everyone's skin. Let’s celebrate the elements and embrace the natural gifts that help us achieve healthier, more graceful aging. Here’s to loving the PNW and the radiant skin it encourages!

As always, feel free to contact me or leave comments whether you have skincare questions or need advice. ~ Genelle

genelle@faceitskin.net | www.faceitskin.net

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