Is Your Lifestyle the Culprit for Your Skin Problems?

Your genes and skin care regimen are not the only ones that can affect the state of your skin. While you may not realize it, your lifestyle choices can also do the same. If you’re dealing with new skin problems or have been struggling with the same issues for years, it may be the time to assess your habits and lifestyle choices. 

Continue reading to learn more about your habits and skin care problems

Prolonged sun exposure

Too much sun exposure can damage your skin and accelerate the aging process. These can lead to premature signs of aging such as sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots. You should also know the prolonged and unprotected exposure to UV rays is associated with skin cancers.

What to do: Make it a habit to protect your skin from the sun. You can do this by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and wearing protective clothing whenever possible. You should also limit your sun exposure or seek shade, especially during peak hours between 10am and 3pm. 

Stress

While stress itself is not harmful, too much of it can negatively affect your health. Apart from causing stomach issues and low energy levels, stress can also make your skin act out. This can cause dullness, as well as more flare-ups or breakouts. It can also make your existing problems worse. 

Stress causes the body to release cortisol (stress hormones), which can lead to increased sebum production. This can then clog your pores and trigger breakouts. Too much cortisol can also break down collagen and elastin, contributing to premature skin aging. Being under constant state of stress can also lead to:

• Dark circles
• Puffy eyes
• Red and irritated skin
• Appearance of creases, lines, and wrinkles

What to do: Manage stress by taking a break or stepping away from overwhelming tasks. It is also a good idea to exercise regularly and try relaxation techniques. Getting support from a loved one or a professional can also help you cope with stress.

Alcohol drinking 

As a known diuretic, alcohol causes changes in the function of your kidneys, increasing urine production. This dehydrates the body, which can show up on your face, which can leave the skin dry and tight. This can make lines and wrinkles more prominent, making you look older than you actually are. Other effects of alcohol on skin include:

• Skin flushing and redness
• Puffiness
• Increases inflammation
• Changes hormone levels (which can contribute or worsen acne)
• Disrupts sleep (and skin cell turnover)

What to do: You don’t necessarily have to avoid alcohol completely if you want to save your skin. It is best to limit your consumption to once a week. Drinking an alcoholic beverage with water also helps, as this minimizes its diuretic effect. The best beverage for your health, however, is still water.

Diet

Your food choices affect more than your waistline. They can also cause problems for your skin, especially if you love salty, sugary, fatty, and processed foods. Poor diet can contribute to oily skin, which can result in more blemishes. This can also cause mild inflammation in the body and worsen skin care problems. 

What to do: Load up on fruits and vegetables to promote healthy skin. You should also include foods rich in Vitamin C, zinc, healthy fats, and Vitamin E. Ideal food choice for improving your complexion include leafy greens, broccoli, citrus fruits, and orange and dark red vegetables.

Level of physical activity

Spending too much time sitting or lying down can mean less exposure to natural light and fresh air. This can increase your stress or anxiety levels, which may aggravate skin conditions. It can increase inflammation in skin tissues and trigger excess sebum production, contributing to clogged pores and more blemishes. 

What to do: Make an effort to exercise daily. This doesn’t necessarily mean signing up for a gym membership, although it can help. You can get more physical activity by walking in your free time, climbing the stairs, and taking frequent breaks from a desk job. Engaging in yard work or household chores can help. 

Don’t let bad lifestyle habits affect the state of your skin. For more skin care tips and product recommendations, explore our website. You can also contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors to find solutions to your skin woes.