Deeper Beauty: Embracing Nature

Written by Valeria Felice Science Translation and Research Manager

Skincare as escapism is a (relatively) modern idea — and one we wholeheartedly embrace at Aurelia. Those small, sensory rituals of self-care are some of life’s simplest, most restorative pleasures. There’s comfort in repetition; a quiet reassurance in ritual. Yet somewhere along the way, the true meaning of escapism — the art of fully disconnecting and drifting inward — seems to have been lost.

We’re talking about the great outdoors. Brisk walks and a spot of fresh air have been recommended by GPs, school nurses and everyone’s grandparents long before green beauty was a thing or Pilates in the park pitched up.

So, that’s what we’re looking at for this blog – the wonders of embracing nature alongside the whole host of beauty benefits that walk back home with you.

All the happiest, healthiest people we know – the ones with Fitbits, Oura Rings and stunning skin – they’re all walkers. They walk on the weekends. They stroll the streets after dinner. They walk to work. Then they’re off again at lunchtime.

So, let’s start with the happy part. Spending time in nature does wonders for your stress levels. Natural light increases your serotonin and endorphin levels, while as little as 20 minutes spent outside can significantly lower stress hormones, like cortisol. Simply being surrounded by nature has been proven to help lower your heart rate while boosting your immune function. It’s a remarkably quick switch from low mood and anxiety to calmness, clarity and simple human happiness. And just to round things off, time spent outdoors helps regulate your internal body clock, leading to better sleep and less stress the next day.

And happy tends to go hand-in-hand with healthy. A simple walk in the woods will not only boost your mood, but your blood flow and brain function too – lowering blood pressure, strengthening bones and opening up your lungs to all that fresh air.

Nature’s secret skincare

Spending a serene afternoon amongst nature can also leave your skin positively glowing, by:

Boosting Circulation
A daily dose of the great outdoors delivers a steady supply of oxygen, vitamins and minerals to your cells – removing toxins, boosting collagen production and improving skin tone and texture.

Strengthening your immune system
Spending time in nature increases the production of white blood cells, which help protect and repair your cells, strengthen the epidermal barrier and reduce breakouts – leaving your skin looking smooth, firm and supple.

Kickstarting Vitamin D
Natural sunshine helps your body produce vitamin D – a potent antioxidant which supports cell growth and repair to prevent premature signs of ageing and promote a radiant complexion.

Activating natural antioxidants
Not only does time in nature help to lower stress hormones like cortisol, but it also allows us to breathe in natural antioxidants — phytoncides — released by trees and plants. These compounds soothe inflammation, strengthen our defences and even help skin retain precious moisture from within.

Which makes it all the more surprising that most of us now spend around 90% of our lives indoors. That leaves barely a month each year under open skies — and much of that time is filled with errands, commutes and everyday noise rather than genuine connection with nature.

It isn’t a criticism, just a quiet truth of modern life. Work, cost pressures and convenience have drawn us inside — but our bodies and skin still crave the outside world. Reclaiming even small moments in nature can reset the mind, calm the body and bring that effortless vitality no cream can quite replace.

You are the outdoor type

But It’s important to remember that the sun as a source of Vitamin D, and all the other health and beauty benefits from simply being near nature isn’t some happy accident. It’s the intended output of an ancient relationship between a natural environment and the creatures specifically designed to survive and thrive there.

So, if you’re reading this, sceptical, and human (you can’t be too careful these days), then you are the outdoor type. Whether you realise it or not. While a walk in the woods is ideal – a few laps of the park, a little gardening or even a spot of stargazing can make a big difference. Anything that helps you stop, breathe, relax and tune into to the natural world all around you. Try it a few times and you’ll soon grow to love it. Or at least see the rewards in the mirror.

Embracing nature

Start small.
You don’t need sweeping hills or endless forests to reconnect with nature. Begin with what’s around you — a lunchtime walk through a local park, a few deep breaths beneath the trees, or an open-air stroll to clear your thoughts between meetings. These small moments of movement and fresh air add up. And when the weekend arrives, give yourself permission to wander a little further — seek out green spaces, wider horizons and that feeling of calm only nature provides.

Engage your senses
Wherever you end up, pay close attention to the sights, sounds and smells all around you. The natural world is ever-evolving – from new blooms and rushing rivers to changes in the weather and wildlife. So, stay curious, stimulated and inspired.

Bring it back home
If you can’t make it out to Mother Nature, try inviting her over to yours. Houseplants can improve air quality, reduce stress and boost mood. Engage your senses with ambient soundtracks, like rainfall or birdsong, maybe even cue up a yoga tutorial on YouTube.

There’s really no ‘wrong’ way to connect with nature. If you live opposite something natural that’s worth seeing or smelling, it can be as simple as opening a window.

How long and how often?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there’s little official guidance on how long you should spend outdoors. However, the research suggests as little as two hours surrounded by nature each week makes a huge difference to your mood, skin, hair, overall health and happiness. So, around 15 minutes each day.

And you don’t have to tick off that two hours in one go. You don’t even need to break a sweat. You just need to leave the house. And people are leaving their houses in droves for this latest wellness craze. Just remember to forget your shoes.

Grounding and forest bathing

Grounding.

Also known as earthing, this simple practice is about reconnecting — quite literally — with the earth beneath our feet. When our bare skin touches soil, grass or sand, we absorb the planet’s natural electrical charge, helping to neutralise free radicals, support collagen synthesis and fortify the skin’s barrier.

It may sound modern, but it’s really a return to something ancient. For most of human history, we’ve walked, rested and slept in direct contact with the ground. In today’s insulated world of pavements, carpets and rubber soles, grounding is less a trend than a gentle reminder — of how good it feels to be part of nature again.

Forest Bathing.

Once hailed as the latest wellness trend, forest bathing — or shinrin-yoku — is in fact an ancient Japanese practice with deep roots in both nature and science. Born among the country’s vast cedar and pine forests, it began simply as a form of mindful walking; a way to slow down, breathe deeply, and notice the world around you.

There’s no method or equipment to master. Only the intention to be fully present — to absorb the scent of the trees, the texture of bark beneath your hand, the quiet rhythm of leaves and air. In doing so, the body responds: heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels fall, while energy, sleep and skin vitality quietly improve.

Its true beauty lies in its simplicity — a moment of stillness where the senses lead and the mind follows. A reminder that sometimes, the most profound rituals ask nothing more of us than to be.

In summary

Embracing nature has experienced a bit of a fall from grace in modern times. Despite being an ancient, authentic way to boost your mood, health and beauty – it’s often misunderstood or even mocked. But once you’re aware of what a walk in the woods can do, you realise embracing nature is no joke.

Aurelia’s cellular supplements work in sync with your body’s biology to enhance all the natural benefits you can reap from enjoying the great outdoors while guarding against the (small) potential downsides, like UV damage and skin irritation from quick shifts in temperature.