Maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin requires adopting a set of beneficial habits. The skin is a living organ that reflects your lifestyle and general health, so years of neglect or just a few suboptimal habits will show on your skin. However, it’s never too late to make positive changes for healthier, glowing skin. Let’s look at the top 10 essential lifestyle habits to achieve beautiful skin:
1. PRIORITIZE YOUR SLEEP
Strive for a solid 8 hours of sleep each night. During sleep, your body produces the human growth hormone (HGH), which stimulates cell division necessary for skin renewal and repair. Additionally, sleep allows your skin cells to rebuild collagen and repair UV damage, fighting wrinkles and age spots. Lack of sleep increases stress hormone levels, elevating the risk of breakouts and skin irritation. Creating optimal conditions for quality sleep will benefit your skin.
2. STAY HYDRATED
Proper hydration is one of the simplest and most affordable lifestyle changes you can make. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Sufficient hydration promotes skin health, aids digestion, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
3. GET MOVING
Engaging in regular exercise boosts blood circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your skin. This increased blood flow helps remove toxins and free radicals from your cells. Exercise also acts as an effective stress reducer, countering its adverse effects on the skin.
4. MANAGE STRESS EFFECTIVELY
Stress hormones can trigger or worsen various skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne, and dermatitis. Chronic stress also accelerates skin aging. The good news is that you can reverse these effects. Take time to unwind, engage in activities you enjoy, and find inner peace and joy to alleviate stress.
5. EAT THE RAINBOW
Your diet greatly influences your skin’s health. Consume a diverse array of colorful fruits and vegetables, aiming for at least 5 portions daily. These natural sources are rich in antioxidants, protecting your skin from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Each color offers different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients beneficial to your skin. Incorporating greens into your breakfast or trying new recipes ensures variety and nourishment.
6. BOOST OMEGA-3 INTAKE
Increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids to enhance your skin’s hydration from within. Incorporate flax, hemp, and chia seeds, as well as walnuts, into your diet. Fatty fish like herring, sardines, and salmon are also excellent sources. Just a tablespoon of ground flaxseed in your smoothie or morning oats can make a noticeable difference. Try a delicious breakfast recipe like toasted whole wheat bread with smoked salmon, avocado, and chia seeds.
7. PRIORITIZE SUN PROTECTION
While sunlight is essential for mental well-being, it is the primary cause of skin aging and cancer. UV radiation leads to skin dryness, collagen breakdown, and premature wrinkles. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen every day, using a mineral-based product. Wear a hat and seek shade during the sun’s strongest hours. Remember, adequate vitamin D production does not justify skipping sunscreen, as supplements and fortified foods can provide sufficient vitamin D.
8. INDULGE IN SKIN PAMPERING
Now and then your skin deserves some extra love. It may come in the form of a weekly at-home pampering sesh with some luxury products from Body Tonic, a trip to see our Laser Magician, Kit, or buying that series of treatments after spending a summer in the sun.
Give your skin a hydration boost with a good moisturizing mask and nourish it with a facial serum so that it is deeply hydrated, supple, and does not feel tight. 3 to 4 times a year, you can also do a targeted skin treatment with highly potent products, like our Hydrafacial with customized serums and exfoliants.
9. MINIMIZE SKIN-DAMAGING BEHAVIORS
By now we know that we should avoid excessive sunlight, alcohol, smoking, excessive sugar, and fatty foods for our skin to thrive. But it is unrealistic to think we can completely avoid all behavior and environments that damage skin. Do not fret. Our skin has an amazing ability to heal itself and using the right skincare products will support this natural healing process.
