The environment is broadly defined as the surroundings in which you live and work in. Some people limit that to the natural world, while others include social and constructed settings. No matter how you define the environment, there is no denying that it affects you every day. Some of those effects are beneficial, while others can be hazardous. What they have in common is that most of them are things you never really think about until they impact you. Consider these four surprising ways the environment affects you every day.

The Sun and Your Skin

The sun may feel delightful on your skin on a warm spring day, but it can actually be quite dangerous. Your skin defends itself against UV radiation by producing melanin. Darker skin tones have higher melanin levels and better protection. However, fair skin tones increase production after exposure to the sun, which results in a tanned or pink appearance. Despite its association with a healthy glow, this kicks off a cycle where the skin must repair damaged cells. Repeated exposure to the sun that results in a tan or sunburn increases your risk for skin cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. It also reduces skin's elasticity and leads to a leathery, wrinkled appearance, effects which dermal repair complex is designed to address.

While too much time in the sun can lead to serious health consequences, not to mention a bad case of sunburn, you do need to get a little to stay healthy. There are several reasons for this, including because your skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium, which your body uses to build healthy bones, muscles and teeth.  Sunlight also helps regulate sleep patterns and mood, which is why many people experience a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder during shorter winter days.

Effects of Air Pollution 

According to the World Health Organization, more than 90 percent of the global population lives in areas where pollutants exceed recommended levels. That means air pollution is a reality for billions of people. While it may seem obvious that pollution is not good for you, you may not realize just how much damage it can cause.

- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke

- Decreased cognitive function and earlier onset of dementia

- Premature aging of the skin and other organs

- Higher rates of kidney disease

Psychological Effects of the Environment

SAD isn't the only way your environment impacts mental health. Clutter, for example, can cause distraction, irritability and a lack of attention to detail. A stressful work environment can lead to burnout or fatigue and sometimes contributes to severe mental health issues.

Your social environment also affects you. The situations you find yourself in can alter your behavior, leading to choices that are entirely out of character. It is widely accepted that people are more likely to eat and drink more when among a large group of friends. That can put you in a potentially dangerous situation and often leads to guilt and regret when you realize what has happened.

Immune Response

Not all environmental interactions are harmful. Spending time in nature (at least two hours a week, according to this report) leads to a host of physical and psychological benefits. You can expect to experience better moods, less stress and anxiety and increased energy. Your immune response will generally be more robust, so you are less likely to contract seasonal illnesses. On top of that, a natural environment bolsters your body's ability to heal, so you are better able to recover from any illnesses and injuries you do experience.

Where you live and work impacts you in many ways. Understanding how the environment affects you allows you to better influence outcomes.