5 Ways Living in the PNW Keeps My Skin Hydrated and Glowing - A Pacific Northwest Skin Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Skincare Lovers
- Genelle Holub
- Mar 22
- 5 min read
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.
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. So for part of fall, most of winter and spring for sure we get natures 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 or TEWL by up to 50%. This benefit is especially important for those battling dry skin, as the natural humidity provides a long-lasting, dewy complexion. Let me explain transepidermal water loss...
TEWL is water evaporating from the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) into the surrounding air is a natural occurrence. However, if it happens too much, it can result in dry and dehydrated skin. This is why we must be more conscious in the summer months especially with our skin. But luckily we live in the PNW so mother nature helps the TEWL 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 pretty close to our skin's ideal balance of around 5.5-5.9, making it wonderfully acidic and perfect for keeping our skin in harmony. 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. And guess what? Rainwater even contains beneficial elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. How cool is that?
This regular exposure helps prevent dryness and breakouts by retaining our skin's natural oils. After a heavy downpour, you might notice how fresh and alive everything feels. Research suggests that exposure to nature can boost serotonin levels, leading to a happier and healthier skin glow and mental euphoria. After a rainstorm, my skin feels refreshed and revitalized, ready to take on any line or wrinkle coming my way!
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 found in skincare goodies due to their calming effects. These natural wonders can help soothe irritation and boost moisture levels. You'll find plenty of these fabulous ingredients in Face It Skin. It's all crafted with you in mind!
As a makeup artist, esthetician, and skincare enthusiast, I love sourcing from local ingredient suppliers that embrace these natural elements. For example, a serum containing locally sourced lavender can improve skin healing by 40%. Hmm, I know a serum with organic lavender that helps us after peels and with graceful aging! While exploring the outdoors, I often gather inspiration for skincare treatments, proving that the PNW is not just a place to live but a treasure trove for personal 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, which create a perfect backdrop for nighttime skincare routines. After a day spent hiking or walking along the coast, there's something refreshing about taking care of your skin before bed. For example, spending just 10 minutes on your nighttime skincare routine can significantly improve hydration levels overnight, besides providing a sense of well-being for yourself.
At night, I always leave one window open a few inches as a natural humidifier, mostly year-round except for summer. The cool, moist evening air serves as an added benefit. Utilizing hydrating masks or oils can recharge my skin as I sleep. A simple routine, like applying Luxe Potion, Toptox, Refreshing Retinol Cream, with Hydra Boost Toner as a sealer, can improve skin texture by up to 30%, making it 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 relaxing on tranquil beaches. The exposure to fresh air and natural sunlight (even on cloudy days) is beneficial for our skin. Natural light helps our bodies produce vitamin D, and vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and may help boost collagen production by 25%! But, don't confuse this with sun bathing as the sun actually depletes and damages our collagen and accelerates aging. Just 10-12 minutes of natural light everyday will do the trick and always wear your sunscreen especially when hiking!
Furthermore, staying active in nature promotes blood circulation, leading to a natural glow and a younger feeling body. Exercise, combined with being in the great outdoors, has been linked to lower stress levels. Have you ever done yoga in the park or walked to your local gym? It makes the exercise you do more stimulating! When stress decreases, our skin texture softens which reflects that improvement. I can feel the rejuvenation washing over me simply by stepping outside, walking the hills in Happy Valley or going for a hike anywhere. illustrating how living in the PNW perfectly aligns with a healthy and vibrant lifestyle.
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 has everything to keep our skin looking radiant. As a passionate skincare lover, I appreciate the unique gifts of the PNW which inspired a couple of new products coming in April!
New Products
Our serene Pacific Northwest was my muse when creating a new mask made with blueberries and cranberries which are all grown here! These powerful antioxidant ingredients play a crucial role giving you the extra fight against free radicals in this resurfacing mask. Also laced with apricots and apples this take-home peel is for those who want more than an exfoliating mask so it's made with glycolic & lactic acids. This is whipped with oxygen delivering oxygen to the skin, which may improve cell metabolism, enhance product penetration, and potentially reduce inflammation.
Another new product releasing at the same time is Double Firm Neck Cream, also made with many ingredients from the PNW! In fact, this product has the most ingredients I have ever worked with. I'm so excited for you to have this! This cream does not disappoint as it works on the skin matrix to firm our neck skin. Our new product release party will be in April.
In Summary
So, whether you're a fellow skincare junkie or just someone who loves the outdoors, the PNW has something to offer for everyone’s skin. Let’s celebrate the elements and enjoy the natural gifts that help us achieve healthier, and more graceful aging of skin. Here’s to loving the PNW and the radiant skin it helps foster!
As always contact me or leave comments for anything skin related you need. ~ Genelle
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