How Environmental Stress Shows Up On Your Skin
The effects of stress don’t just stop at fatigue and overwhelm, but can actually show up in your skin, hair, and even nails! There are many different kinds of stress that have both direct and indirect effects on skin health. One of the big ones is environmental stress.
Internal stress definitely has a massive effect on skin health, and though we do want to talk about that, this blog will focus more on environmental stressors and the effects they have on the skin.
The Skin’s Function
Because the skin is the outermost organ, it is designed to protect the rest of the body by keeping moisture in and harmful bacteria out. The skin, when exposed to environmental stressors, can become worn down and damaged, resulting in dryness, inflammation, sensitivity, etc. There are many different environmental stressors that have a direct effect on the skin including pollution, UV rays, and even the weather!
Air Pollution
Depending on your surroundings, air pollution can cause your skin to become inflamed due to tiny particles that penetrate beneath the skin's surface. Once inside, this inflammation can lead to worsening of preexisting skin conditions like eczema and rosacea (Deascal). Particles from the air that do not penetrate deeper can also cause inflammation simply from sitting on top of the skin. The damage is caused by something called “oxidative stress” which in simple terms means that the molecules from the pollution are strong enough to break down the skin’s natural antioxidants. This oxidative stress, when not dealt with, can weaken the skin's repair mechanisms. This causes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles sooner as well as loss of elasticity. (Haykal et al.)
UV Radiation
While the sun is great for our skin and helps it to produce Vitamin D, too much exposure can have the opposite effects. UVA rays are the rays from the sun that have the ability to penetrate deeper, while UVB rays are responsible for damage to the outer skin, like sunburns. Overexposure to these two rays increases the rate at which the skin ages, causing deeper wrinkles and pigment disorders like sunspots. Over time, this damage can impair the skin’s ability to repair itself, which can cause more serious skin infections. (Deascal)
The Weather
For those who live in the West Texas heat, you probably already know that weather can drastically affect your skin! Humidity plays a big role in hydration. In dry climates, there is a higher risk of water loss in the skin, which can result in the skin feeling tighter, dehydrated, and even more sensitive! (Haykal et al.) Studies also show that higher temperatures can disrupt the skin's immune response, leading to more flare-ups of preexisting skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea. High temperatures also cause more sweating, which alters the production of sebum (an oily substance produced by the skin’s glands to aid in moisture). This overproduction can lead to clogged pores and increased breakouts. (Haykal et al.) Even too much humidity can weaken the skin and increase the risk of infection, so it is very important to tailor your skincare routine to the climate you live in!
Preventing Damage
Don’t let this research worry you! The good thing is that there are ways to help the skin and steer clear of environmental stress and its effects! Because pollution particles cling to the skin, it is important to cleanse your face everyday to avoid build-up and potential damage. Don't just stop at cleansing! The skin needs to be shielded from future pollutants, which is where protective moisturizers come into play! For those who like a thicker cream and want to lock in moisture, tallow could be a great option for you! Tallow is also great for those who live in a dryer climate, but if you live in a more humid area, you can opt for lighter moisturizers like serums so your skin won't feel overloaded with moisture. If you plan to be in the sun for long periods of time, make sure to use sun protection! A good natural option for sunscreen would be zinc oxide with it's ability to reflect and scatter UVA and UVB rays.
Your environment matters and so does your skin! We hope the information provided encourages you to research your area and find all the best ways to take care of your skin!
Author: Emma Fields
Emma is a beloved part of our Flying Cow fam! She’s normally the first face you see in our Lubbock, TX store and she’s always more than happy to answer all your tallow questions. She’s also one of our social media assistants! When she’s not labelling tallow or making fun videos, Emma is normally doing homework as she works toward her major in Psychology with a focus in Addiction at Texas Tech.
Sources
Group, Ward Commerce. “How Environmental Factors Impact Your Skin: A Comprehensive Guide.” Deascal®, 4 June 2024, https://www.deascal.com/skincare-advice/how-environmental-factors-impact-your-skin-a-comprehensive-guide/.
Haykal, D., et al. "The Impact of Pollution and Climate Change on Skin Health: Mechanisms, Protective Strategies, and Future Directions." JAAD Reviews, vol. 6, Dec. 2025, pp. 1–11. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdrv.2025.05.001.