In previous blogs, I’ve written about all the good things you can do for your skin with the right skincare products and lifestyle habits; but, are you counteracting all those good things with a few bad habits? Try to avoid these pitfalls to look and feel your best in your skin.
Here are the TOP 6 Worst Things You Can Do For Your Skin:
1. Smoking:
Smoking tobacco and nicotine in any form induces premature aging. Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin. Healthy blood flow to the skin is important intheremoval of toxins andforcollagen production. Pursing of the lips leads to overuse of the muscles around the mouth leading to deep lines and wrinkles. Skin discoloration occurs due to decreased blood flow andfromnicotine. Smoking also induces an enzyme in the skin that breaks down collagen more quickly. If your goal is to have radiant and healthy skin, then smoking cessation is one of the most important changes you can make.
2. Calorie Over-Consumption and Excess Weight:
Over consumption of calories leads to obesity which stretches the skin and increases sagging, stretch marks and wrinkling. Excess calorie intakealso causesinflammation which can contribute to acne, rosacea, collagen breakdown, eczema,and other unwanted skin conditions. Foroptimalhealth and skin, try to eat 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetablesalongwith lean proteins and healthy fats daily. Determine your caloric needs using an online calorie calculator.
3. Meat and Dairy Consumption:
Protein and Dairy are known causes of high IGF-1 (growth hormones). Think about it… large animals like cows produce milk to grow their babies with incredible amounts of growth hormones because their offspring have to mature so rapidly for survival in nature. Human babies grow much more slowly in comparison so when we consume milk or dairy from cows, the exposure to the naturally elevated amount of growth hormones is unnatural for us to digest and assimilate. Add to that the fact that most of our dairy producing animals in the USA are given EXTRA growth hormones,as well as antibiotics. There is a large amount of IGF-1 being flooded you’re your system when eating the meat or drinking the milk of these animals. All of this extra IGF-1 consumption can lead to an increase in inflammation and sebum production.
4. UV Exposure:
Excessive sun exposure breaks down collagen,createsunsightly brown and red discolorations,and leads to skin cancer. Apply SPF with zinc oxide UVA protection to the face, neck, chest,and hands every morning to protect the most sensitive areas of your skin.
5. High Sugar Consumption:
Let’s face it, sugar is delicious butit’s addictive andwreaks havoc on your body, especially your skin. When you eat sugar, the molecules bind with proteins and disform them. This process is called glycation and the end products are aptly called (AGEs), orAdvanced Glycation End Products. Collagen and Elastin are proteins that keep our skin supple and voluminous. When sugar molecules bind to these building block proteins they become stiff and malformed. With collagen formation disrupted, the result is more wrinkles, sagging skin, and premature aging.
6. Stress and Negativity:
Instances of tension and anxiety are a natural part of our ‘fight-or-flight’ defense system, however, living in a state of constant stress, and thinking negative thoughts can be devastating on the mind, body, and skin. Prolonged stress increases cortisol production, contributing to increased inflammation, impaired cellular renewal, and oxidative stress, which influence premature aging in the body and skin. While genetics and the body’s internal aging processes (intrinsic aging), is inevitable, environmental factors, lifestyle, and stress management (extrinsic aging) can be influenced by our daily habits and choices. Exercise, sleep habits, healthy eating, and self care each play a vital role in managing stress, longevity, and healthy aging. Try to adopt an attitude of gratitude, and change negative thoughts into positive ones to increase your happiness and self-love. Your skin will glow!
If you are investing in your skin’s health with great skincare products and procedures, make sure you are taking care of the inside of your body with good lifestyle habits as well. Make a few small changes and enjoy the glow of healthy skin.
Here's To Your Best Skin!
For more tips you can check our latest video; Top 10 Worst Things You Can Do For Your Skin.Please let us know, in the comments section, what you want to learn about next so we can answer all of your pressing anti-aging and skin health questions!
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