It’s estimated that 80 percent of visible signs of aging are lifestyle-related, not genetics. Your skin will spill your daily routine secrets. If you want your skin to tell a different story, here are some tips from dermatologists to get you and your skin on a glowing path:
1) Wear sunscreen daily. Even indoors your skin can be exposed to harmful rays. This is because UVA can penetrate glass and our devices emit blue rays that can also cause signs of aging. Wear an SPF 30 or higher. And remember to reapply.
2) Learn to cope with stress. Stress can cause premature signs of aging, and flare skin issues like acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Stress triggers cortisol, which increases oil production leading to clogged pores and a dull complexion. It also affects the immune system, so your skin might experience increased blotchiness, redness, and irritation.
3) Be goldilocks. Overworking your skin can irritate it and cause it to look older. You don’t want to over do the number of active ingredients or use products that sting, cause redness, cause puffiness, or otherwise irritate it.
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4) Get sleep. Lack of sleep can cause signs skin aging and reduced the integrity of your skin’s barrier. It can also increase those dark circles or under-eye puffiness. Your mind and body restore itself during sleep. This includes your skin. There’s a reason they call it beauty sleep.
5) Choose proper products. Pick products that are appropriate for your skin type, not just ones that are touted as popular or miraculous. This will also help you minimize that product graveyard. The American Academy of Dermatology has a handy breakdown so you can understand your skin type.
6) Exercise. Exercise increases blood flow. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, including to your skin (your biggest organ). Blood also carries away waste products. Exercise is basically boosting this flow system. It also helps decrease stress and improves sleep (just don’t do it right before bed time).
7) Wash morning & night. Washing your face at night gets all the gunk off it that has built up over the day. Washing in the morning is also important. Your body and skin is still working at night. Skin cells are turning over and you may even have sweated a bit. You want to get that gunk off too. Your products will also work better (morning and night) on a clean face. Think of it like painting. You want to start each masterpiece with a clean canvas.
8) Eat & drink well. What you eat can influence the appearance and integrity of your skin. It’s not the only factor, but it is one to consider. Nutrition can affect acne, aging, rosacea, signs of aging, and the skin’s barrier to fend off UV and other environmental aggressors. Think about it. What you feed your body is what your body uses to restore and renew itself. You can feed it antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, proteins, water, smart carbs…or junk foods.
9) Avoid hot showers. Using water that is too hot can lead to dry, itchy skin, or even skin rashes. It affects the skin’s moisture barrier. Use luke-warm temperatures for your showers instead. Afterward, pat dry with a towel and moisturize your skin.
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10) Hands off. Don’t touch your face. The exception is when you are doing your skincare routine, of course. It can spread dirt and bacteria, which can cause breakouts. And definitely don’t pop/squeeze your pimples. That can cause scarring.
References:
Pappas, A., Liakou, A. & Zouboulis, C.C. Nutrition and skin. Rev Endocr Metab Disord17, 443–448 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-016-9374-z
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/exercise#1
https://www.rodanandfields.com/blog/lifestyle/your-skin-is-trying-to-tell-you-something/
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ced.12455
https://www.rodanandfields.com/blog/lifestyle/learn-how-stress-can-affect-your-skin/
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/hot-showers-damage-skin
https://www.oprahmag.com/beauty/skin-makeup/a33010277/how-often-should-you-wash-your-face/
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101
