Our lifestyle can have a huge impact on the health of our skin.
Ageing is a natural consequence that we can’t avoid, but there are some things that we can do to age more gracefully and to slow the process down a bit.
1. Keep well hydrated
When we are adequately hydrated our skins remain full of moisture and therefore look radiant. Water is important to get rid of toxins that accumulate in the body and because the skin is one of the biggest detoxification organs, it often shows signs of ageing as a warning sign of things not working well inside the body.
Reduce consumption of caffeine, alcohol and English tea as these are acidic and dehydrate the body. Water and herbal teas are good alternatives to stay well hydrated.
2. Manage Stress
Stress often shows on the skin. We develop frown lines and can also lose a healthy skin tone due to the exhaustion caused by stress. Regular exercise, taking time to relax and meditation or deep breathing can be good ways to de-stress.
3. Avoid environmental pollutants and external toxins
The quality of the air in the environment can have an impact on the health of our skin due to free radicals, which damage the skin and fast track the ageing process. Cigarette smoking reduces elasticity and also promotes quicker ageing.
Certain medications can dry out the skin or cause breakouts and some acne medications can make the skin more sensitive to sun damage.
4. Avoid prolonged sun exposure
UV damage from the sun can accelerate ageing and cause our skins to wrinkle much earlier than necessary. While exposure to the sun is good for our immune systems and moods, it’s all about balance. Certain skin types can tolerate more time in the sun than others so it’s important to know our bodies and take care of ourselves according to our skin type. Protective clothing and hats can be helpful ways to prevent sunburn without the chemical effects of sunscreen.
5. Reduce dairy intake and eat a healthy diet
Acne sufferers generally do better if they avoid dairy products. Fruits and vegetables are natures antioxidants. A healthy diet will make a huge difference in skin tone. Avoid processed foods and “eat the rainbow” – a colorful, varied diet ensures a good amount of nutrients to feed a healthy skin. Certain deficiencies or medical conditions can cause the skin to be drier. If our diets have insufficient essential fatty acids our skins can be drier. Thyroid problems can also cause the skin to be very dry.
6. Enjoy good quality sleep
Enough sleep refreshes the whole body and shows up as a healthy, vibrant looking skin tone.
It is also important to take care of your skin from the outside as well, so applying natural creams and oils such as coconut oil, bee products or macadamia oil can be great ways to nourish your skin from the outside. If you are concerned about your skin, speak to a professional and have the necessary tests to rule out any chronic conditions
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 14 January 2021 to learn more.
Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am