How your lifestyle affects your skin

Your skin is a highly sensitive organ that will signal you when something is not right or off balance. There are a few key lifestyle changes that you can make to improve your skin. Making changes one at a time can help you clearly see how your lifestyle affects your skin.

Sleep – It is true when they say, “Get your beauty sleep.” Lack of sleep can leave your body unbalanced triggering hormonal changes, inflammation, appetite changes, and lower ability to fight infections. For younger, healthier skin, get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, consider increasing exercise early in the day and reduce caffeine consumption. Remove your makeup before bed and don’t forget to moisturize!

Diet – Your diet can greatly affect your skin health, as well as your overall wellness. The rule of thumb for eating a skin-healthy diet is to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, balanced with healthy fats and proteins. Skin needs vitamins to keep the youthful glow and elasticity that we all desire. The best way to get a nice balance of all the right vitamins is to vary the types of fruits and vegetables that you eat. Nuts and olive oil can give you the healthy fats that your skin needs to keep a healthy sheen while reducing appearance of wrinkles. Animal fats have been linked to the production of free radicals, which can lead to cancer, so keep those at a minimum. Lean proteins are the best choice for skin and overall health.

Exercise – Your body has a clever system called the Lymphatic System. This is a waste removal system that utilizes a one-way system of “pipes” that pump the toxins out of your body. Unlike the circulatory system, which includes a pumping heart, the lymphatic system needs help pumping out the waste. That’s where you come in. When you move, you are helping your body pump waste through this very important waste removal system. Exercising will help your body remove toxins faster, resulting in a healthier body and radiant skin.

There are other lifestyle factors to consider, including alcohol consumption, smoking, and environmental exposure that can greatly affect how your skin looks and feels. Remember that your skin is a reflection of your body’s overall health, so keep yourself as healthy as possible to enjoy the most beautiful skin possible.

Resouces: Health.com and Self.com