Ways Your Lifestyle Is Affecting Your Skin

Most of us have something we’d like to improve about our skin, whether acne, signs of aging, or uneven tone. We may assume that genetics or a bad skincare routine are the main culprits behind these issues, but what often gets overlooked is how our lifestyle choices can dramatically affect the health and appearance of our skin. From being mindful of sun exposure to practicing good sleep hygiene and everything in between, small changes here and there can make all the difference when striving for healthier looking skin. Keep reading to discover just a few ways your everyday lifestyle might be impeding you from achieving glowing, radiant skin!

Wake up to better skin: lifestyle changes for flawless skin

The sun is your skin’s worst enemy, so take steps to protect it. Wear sunscreen every day and often reapply if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or clothing covering up as much of your skin as possible. This will help you avoid sunburns, wrinkles, age spots, and other long-term damage caused by the sun’s rays.

Eating healthy can make an enormous difference in the way your skin looks and feels. Load on fresh fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, improving cell regeneration for healthier-looking skin. Also, avoid processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt since these can cause breakouts and premature aging.

Drinking plenty of water helps keep your body hydrated, which is essential for healthy skin. Avoid dehydrating drinks like coffee and alcohol, and drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to help flush out toxins from your body and keep your skin looking its best.

Get enough sleep every night to allow your body to repair itself naturally and give you more energy during the day. Sleep deprivation can cause dark circles, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging. Aim for 7-8 hours a night to look and feel your best.

And finally, exercise regularly to get that natural glow in your skin! Exercise increases blood circulation, which carries oxygen throughout the body – including the skin – helping it stay healthy and vibrant. Exercise also helps reduce stress levels which can help reduce breakouts.

By making these small lifestyle changes, you can wake up to skin that looks and feels healthier with each passing day!

Everyday habits that are damaging your skin

• Not Wearing Sunscreen: Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin damage and premature aging. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply after being in water or sweating heavily.
• Smoking: Smoking can damage your skin by reducing its elasticity, causing wrinkles and uneven pigmentation, and slowing down the body’s ability to repair itself from everyday wear and tear.
• Too Much Alcohol: Consuming too much alcohol can dehydrate your body and your skin, causing it to become dry and dull looking. It can also contribute to wrinkles and other signs of aging.
• Too Much Sugar: Overeating sugar can lead to accelerated aging of the skin, as well as an increased risk for developing conditions like wrinkles and age spots.

• Not Getting Enough Sleep: Skimping on sleep can cause your skin to look pale, blotchy, and dull-looking. It can also worsen existing skin conditions like acne or eczema due to the stress it puts on your body.
• Poorly Cleansing Your Skin: Washing your face with harsh soaps or scrubbing too hard when removing makeup can damage your skin’s outer layer, leaving it vulnerable to sensitivity and irritation. Make sure you use gentle cleansers that are appropriate for your skin type.
• Not Moisturizing: Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for maintaining its youthful, healthy appearance. Make sure to use moisturizers that are specifically designed for your skin type.
• Too Much Stress: Prolonged stress can cause a number of physical and mental health problems, as well as causing inflammation in the skin, leading to acne and other skin conditions. Try to take time each day to relax and destress.
• Eating Unhealthy Foods: Eating an unhealthy diet high in processed foods can have many negative effects on your overall health, including the health of your skin. Instead, ensure you’re eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables daily to keep your skin looking its best.
• Not Exfoliating: Regularly exfoliating your face can help to remove any dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can improve the overall appearance of your skin. But make sure you’re using an exfoliator specifically designed for your skin type.