The skin is the body’s largest organ, amidst regulating body temperature, controlling moisture loss, it also provides a protective barrier. The skin is a true multitasker! Yet…there may be some external factors that are preventing your skin from performing at its best. Never fear! Most of these factors are easily controlled. We’ve curated a list of the 5 most common factors that affect the skin, and how to combat them to help you maintain a healthy glow from the inside out!
1. DIET
Our diet impacts every aspect of our life, from our internal health and immunity to our skin. A poor diet is almost always bad news for our skin, and has been proven to lead to dehydration, dullness, acne, breakouts and premature ageing. However, achieving healthy, glowing skin entails following a nutritious, balanced diet that is rich in protective ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants and dietary fibre. Remember…You are what you eat!
2. STRESS
Everyday life is stressful for everyone, and these stress levels often take a toll on the skin. When we are stressed, our nervous system releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that put our body into a fight-or-flight response. Cortisol causes increased sebum production in our skin glands, which often leads to clogged pores that cause dullness and breakouts - or aggravate pre-existing skin conditions such as acne.
To minimise the effects of stress on the skin, it is important to follow a consistent skincare regime, and reduce your exposure of external stressors. For clear skin... stress less!
3. LACK OF SLEEP
“Beauty sleep” is real! When we sleep, our skin begins to speed up the skin cell turnover process, this involves the skin shedding dead skin cells to present new cells on the outer layer of the skin. When we become tired/lose sleep, our skin is not able to speed up the process of skin cell turnover, resulting in the build-up of dead skin cells, which can cause frequent breakouts, increase in fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduced elasticity in your skin. To ensure glowing skin…get those 8 hours!
4. EXPOSURE TO DUST AND POLLUTANTS
If you’re working or living in a dusty environment, your skin may be showing it! Exposing our skin to pollutants, both physical (i.e. dust) or chemical, can result in free radicals accumulating on the skin, which can clog pores and expedite premature ageing. This can be easily counteracted by implementing a consistent and effective skincare routine that is consistent and thorough!
Begin with cleansing the face both morning and night to provide a fresh face, follow up with topical treatments or serums and lastly apply moisturiser. This will ensure the removal of any dirt and grime that has built up throughout the day and further minimise the frequency of breakouts - promoting happy, healthy skin!
5. HORMONAL CHANGES
Your skin must respond to many hormonal changes and fluctuations. Hormonal changes (as a result of age, gender, stress etc) can cause breakouts as they increase the release of sebum on the skin’s surface. Hormones such as estrogen can help stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production that helps the skin to stay plump and firm, whereas progesterone stimulates the production of sebum or the oil glands in the skin that causes the skin to swell and close larger pores. These hormones can often fluctuate, causing the occasional unwanted breakouts or dry patches. It’s important to remain proactive with your skincare routine, yes - this includes consistent cleansing!
Remember - it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin. Your body’s largest organ works overtime to protect you, it needs protection too! Click here to browse our wide range of hydrating donkey milk skincare products, the perfect products to combat these factors affecting your skin, and ensure a nourished, radiant complexion!