Most of us are concerned about ageing and how we look. We are faced with ways to look younger and there is a lot of pressures out there to keep skin looking young, glowing, fresh and wrinkle free, but unfortunately the inevitable will happen as we age and our collagen and elastin production decreases.
Skin health can be influenced by certain lifestyle factors which will are discussed below.
Smoking
Smoking has been shown to speed up the normal aging process of the skin, as well as the toxins from the smoke can prevent the production of collagen. Smoking also causes the blood vessels to narrow close to the skin, which means that there is a reduction in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
Alcohol
Excess alcohol can lead to dehydration, as well as damage to your liver, heart, and blood pressure. Dehydrated skin is more likely to decrease in elasticity and develop wrinkles. Alcohol also causes redness and visible broken capillaries on the skin, as well as flushing for some.
Diet
Poor diet or lack of variety means that we don’t get all the nutrients needed, which in turn can impact how our skin looks and feels. It’s important to try and eat the rainbow and a mixture of foods. You can read more about skin health and food in our blog “Foods to Feed your Skin”. Crash diets can also influence how our skin looks and feels. If we do not drink enough water, it can cause our skin to look dehydrated, water is vital to maintain skin health and to keep it supple.
Sleep
Lack of sleep can increase our stress levels. Try and get enough sleep - if you wake up feeling refreshed and alert, you’ll probably be getting enough sleep. As individuals, we all differ in how many hours of sleep we need. If you struggle with falling asleep, try and reduce using any electronics before you go to bed, and find a routine that helps relax you and gets you ready to fall asleep.
Stress
Stress can cause inflammation which can impact our skin health. It’s been shown that inflammatory skin conditions can be exacerbated by stress. Try and find things that help reduce your stress, whether that’s reading a book, having a bath, cooking, or listening to music. If you can remove yourself from a stressful situation or think of solutions to these situations you should try and implement them.
Credit to David Loftus
Physical Activity
By being physically active it means we can help reduce stress levels, as well as improve blood flow to the skin cells, increasing the amount of oxygen and nutrients our skin cells receive. This increase in blood flow will also help to remove and take away any waste products which can damage the skin.
Sun Exposure
Too much exposure to sun and sun bed (UV rays) - it’s important to protect your skin from UV rays as they damage the collagen and elastin found in your skin. Both elastin and collagen keep your skin smooth and supple. Excess sun exposure can lead to wrinkles, dry rough skin, skin damage, and potential for both cancerous and non-cancerous skin tumours. Always use SPF, even in the winter, and make sure that you do not burn your skin. UV rays are one of the primary causes of skin ageing.
Environmental Exposure
Such as chemicals and pollutants can impact our skin health.
Genetics
Genes is something we can’t change or modify, but we may find that we have a family history of either change in the production of collagen, or increased chance of having a skin condition.
Hormones
Hormones can play a role in skin health. You may find with your monthly cycle that more spots appear, this is due to oestrogen levels dropping. During menopause hormone levels drop, which can lead to skin starting to dry or itchy, acne, and sagging and wrinkling.
Ageing
Ageing is something that we have no control over, but as we age, there is a natural decrease in collagen levels. There is no way to prevent this change.
Conclusion
We can use anti-aging products on our skin or seek medical options such as Botox and fillers, or non-surgical facials which can have great results.
If you are concerned about your skin or a certain skin condition, it is always best to go speak to a healthcare professional who can help guide you, along with a personalised recommend treatment.
Daisy, MSc PGDip ANutr, is a Registered Associate Nutritionist with a Master's Degree in Public Health Nutrition, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Eating Disorders and Clinical Nutrition, both of which are Association for Nutrition (AFN) accredited. She, also, has a BSc degree in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience; and has completed an AFN accredited Diet Specialist Nutrition course.
Daisy has worked for an NHS funded project, the Diabetes Prevention Programme; and shadowed a nutritionist in Harley Street.
About Lucy Bee Limited
Any information provided by us is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We always recommend referring your health queries to a qualified medical practitioner.
Lucy Bee is a lifestyle brand selling food, skincare and soap products all completely free from palm oil and with minimal use of plastic. Lucy Bee is concerned with Fair Trade, organic, ethical and sustainable living, recycling and empowering people to make informed choices and select quality, natural products for their food and their skin.
