Some guys will obsess over skincare routines that require more steps than assembling IKEA furniture, while others might find the most effective treatment sitting right outside.

Recent research is confirming what our grandfathers intuitively knew: nature delivers tangible health benefits. For your skin specifically, the data is compelling.

The Cortisol Connection

Your face broadcasts stress whether you want it to or not. Cortisol, your body's primary stress hormone, doesn't just make you feel overwhelmed - it actively destroys your skin's structural integrity. Cortisol breaks down collagen, accelerates aging, and triggers inflammatory responses, and I'm guessing that isn't on your 2025 skincare bingo card.

A 2019 study found that participants who spent just twenty minutes a week outside had a significant reduction in cortisol levels. And lower cortisol level equals healthier skin.

Forest Bathing: Not Just Instagram Therapy

The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (AKA forest bathing), has legitimate scientific backing. Studies found that immersion in natural environments reduces inflammatory markers throughout the body. Since conditions like acne and psoriasis are fundamentally inflammatory disorders, time in green spaces functions as anti-inflammatory therapy.

It's less about finding your inner zen and more about visible improvements in skin health. So the next time your face is acting up, consider spending a bit more time out in nature.

Vitamin D: The Underdog

Moderate sunlight exposure remains one of the most effective ways to boost vitamin D production. Vitamin D regulates cellular turnover, reduces inflammation, and contributes to more even skin tone. Shockingly, the National Institutes of Health reports that around half the population has insufficient vitamin D levels.

A few minutes of direct sunlight daily can fix this, just don't forget proper sun protection.

Skip the TikTok Hacks

Viral skincare trends promise overnight transformation, but if something is too good to be true, it probably is. TikTok's latest potato slice hack might generate views, but regular outdoor exposure offers benefits that are backed by science, not clicks.

And look, it could be hiking, walking through your neighbourhood, or something as simple as sitting outside. More time in nature delivers measurable improvements in overall well-being and skin health.