Ep.1/ Lifestyle and Skin Health
Why is lifestyle an important component to skin health?
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The quality and health of your skin are affected by much more than genetics and age. Your lifestyle habits can affect the physical health and appearance of your skin!
Your skin is your largest organ it’s important to maintain a daily care routine to keep it healthy. Most of us strive for a healthy complexion and beautiful skin. Our skin works hard to protect us, as it is the barrier to the outside world. Environmental issues such as stress, smoking, unhealthy lifestyle and sunlight can damage our skin.
You may or may not be surprised to know that there is a strong connection between the health of your intestines and your skin. Or the current buzz word “Gut Health” What does all this mean?
The microorganisms in the intestine produce substances such as ceramides, lactic acid, vitamins and hyaluronic acid which help your skin stay radiant. Each of us has intestinal bacteria which is also known as intestinal flora.
Our bodies get the most benefit from eating colorful whole foods, when consumed the bacteria absorbs the best part of the nutrients and antioxidants. If we tend to consume high amounts of processed foods, premade meals or fast-food good bacteria begins to decline, which can have a negative effect on general health. When the number of bacteria in your intestine decreases, it impacts your gut health and throws it out of alignment, which can cause or speed up skin inflammation and premature aging. Foods that can provoke these issues can be dairy products, sugar, gluten, alcohol and coffee.
There is good news, we can help minimize and even reverse these concerns by being cognizant about our lifestyle.
1. Balanced Diet! You don’t have to be perfect as we all have our moments but striving to eat a balanced diet rich in seasonal fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains, and nuts can slowly have a positive impact. Some examples, berries, avocado, green tea, walnuts, salmon, spinach, apples, melons, fresh olive oil, cauliflower and broccoli are great for skin health.
2. Drink Water! Staying hydrated, especially for those of us who live in Arizona is crucial. Our skin needs hydration from the inside out. The skin is made up of a high percentage of water, each layer takes in hydration and keeps our skin barrier functioning, which protects our skin. If we don’t keep up on our water, the skin can become less radiant, dry and lose volume. Plain water can be unappealing for some, adding lime, lemon, berries, or cucumbers can make it more appealing.
3. Stress Management! Our lives are fast and busy with a lot of stress thrown at us. Excessive stress can have an impact on our skin and contribute to breakouts, sensitivity, uneven tone. Reducing stress levels is something we all must be mindful daily. This is where finding activities like running, biking, Pilates, yoga or meditation can be beneficial. Even the simple act of taking a walk in the fresh air for a few minutes can have tremendous affect. The key is to make is a priority everyday even just for 15 minutes.
4. Sleep! Getting adequate amounts of sleep has a tremendous affect on our overall health, which impacts our skin. As we sleep our bodies go into healing and regenerative mode. If we are getting few hours of restless sleep or environmental factors like devices, light, or tv affecting our sleep the body is not getting the benefits of healing and regeneration during the night. This can lead to dark circles, uneven skin tone, and thin skin, long term can contribute to progressing the aging process. According to the CDC the average adult between the ages of 18-60 needs 7 or more hours of good quality sleep.
5. Skin Care Products and Treatments! Selecting the best skin care products is one of the easiest and quickest lifestyle habits for improving your complexion and skin health. That’s where we come in! Skin180° can help recommend the best products and treatments for your skin type and concerns. Sunscreen is crucial along with additional products and treatments for maximum benefits.
Receiving regular treatments helps promote skin rejuvenation, stimulates collagen and elastin, and improves circulation. If you consistently suffer from skin concerns, sun damage, white and black heads, sensitive skin, rosacea, all can be addressed and treated appropriately. Healthy Lifestyle habits enhance the skin’s ability to act as its own protective barrier.
