Skin Care Regimen Protects Against Environmental Damage

(MS) - The Great Outdoors provides a veritable Catch-22 when it comes to overall health. While the advantages of spending time in the fresh air and sunshine can be exhilarating and cathartic, those same elements in addition to other hidden dangers can pose potential year-round health threats, particularly to the skin.

Many people have subjected their skin to years of abuse, whether sunbathing or skiing the slopes without protection. But there are measures that they can take to help combat any damage that may have occurred. Additionally, there are steps to take to protect the skin for years to come.

· Always use sunscreen. Skincare professionals recommend always applying sunscreen before heading outdoors, even for relatively short times exposed to the sun. Conventional practices suggest using a sunscreen with a an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Anything less could lead to sunburn or other, more serious problems down the road. Sunblocks should be applied all year, not just during the peak summer season. Even though it may be cold outdoors, that does not negate the power of ultraviolet rays. Plus, a landscape covered in pure white snow can reflect the sun's rays and lead to nasty burn as well.

· Bundle up. Just as you'd wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses in the summer, protect your skin from the harsh wind and icy temperatures of winter. Persistent cold air can dry out the skin considerably, which will exacerbate dry skin problems and could promote premature wrinkling. Not to mention the sting from wind and cold is just uncomfortable. Wrap a scarf around your neck and face and continue to wear sunglasses. Cover up with gloves, as the hands also take a beating if not protected.

· Pollution can cause trouble. Environmental factors apart from sun and wind can also damage the skin. Pollution contributes to the number of free radicals in the air, which can cause diminished vitality and appearance of the skin. Minimize exposure to smoke, smog and areas where pollution is prevalent. Wash your face thoroughly after any exposure and make sure to eat a balanced diet of fruits rich in antioxidants to help combat the effect of free radicals.

· Rely on the right skincare products. To help the skin looks its best, use skincare products that can address the premature aging and damage to the skin the environment may cause. Yves Rocher Laboratories, for instance, recently finished years of work on an anti-aging cream that combines ingredients that play a strong role in replenishing skin. Riche Crème's Deep Regenerating Crème was designed specifically as an anti-aging remedy, utilizing such ingredients as Fatty Acids, Omega 6, ProVitamin A and Vitamin E, each of which has been known to renew skin cells.

Further helping to combat environmental damage to the skin, the crème softens and smooths out skin that might have seen too much of the outdoors. Made up largely of 30 rich oils, Deep Regenerating Crème also forms a protective barrier against harsh winter conditions.

Additionally, don't forget to drink plenty of water to keep your body - and skin - hydrated. Several glasses per day will ensure moist, supple skin used in conjunction with the other precautionary measures you take to look your best.

To learn more about Yves Rocher products or to order Riche Crème's Deep Regenerating Crème, visit their Web site at www.yvesrocherusa.com or call 1-800-321-3434.

CAPTION: Take steps to protect the skin when exposed to environmental hazards such as sun, wind and pollution.