May. 02, 2020

Does our lifestyle have an impact on the condition of our skin?

The secret to a healthy, glowing skin is not just proper care but also a healthy lifestyle and ‘good’ genes. Certain external factors, which you control, can cause considerable damage to the skin.

Unfortunately the answer to that question is ‘yes’. Skin burned by the sun or a tanning bed is permanently damaged. Every time your skin gets burned, skin cells are damaged and the body has to repair that damage. The more often and deeper the skin gets burned, the more serious the damage and the bigger the risk the damage cannot be repaired successfully. These damaged cells are a type of scars deep in the skin which, in the long run, may give rise to skin cancer.

External factors

ALCOHOL

Alcohol has an undeniable effect on the skin, both in the short and the long term. Alcohol is actually a toxin. Alcoholic beverages often have a very high calorie content but they contain little in the way of nutrients. They contribute to bad liver function, cell damage and insulin problems, all of which have an impact on the quality of your skin.

Alcohol has a diuretic effect that causes our body to lose more fluids, fluids that are crucial for a healthy and radiant skin. The skin will look dry and dull as lines and wrinkles deepen and become more visible. Unfortunately drinking a lot of water after a heavy night out is not enough to repair the damage.

Excessive alcohol use causes the blood vessels in the skin to expand so more blood flows near the skin surface. This causes red skin and heat which, in the long run, can lead to broken capillaries in the face.

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SMOKING

Smoking is harmful to the skin in several respects. The term ‘smoker’s face’ is often used to describe thick and dull skin with more wrinkles and creases around the mouth. Smoking produces enzymes that damage the elastic fibres. Elastin is a crucial protein in the fight against ageing skin.

Cigarette smoke can also boost the production of free radicals, which also contributes to aging skin. Read more about free radicals and oxidative stress and how they influence the skin aging process in our blog “a perfect skin all summer long".

DIET

The condition of our skin is inextricably bound with our diet. For instance, sugars can increase the risk of spots and wrinkles.

But did you know that there are also certain nutrients that make our skin more ‘beautiful’? An example of this is vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects us against free radicals that damage the skin. Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, which makes the skin firmer. What’s more, vitamin C also helps against pigment spots.

Another example are omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are often found in fatty fish such as salmon, help our skin build a natural wax layer that offers protection against harmful external factors. On the other hand, excessive intake of omega-3 fatty acids is also ill-advised because in some cases this may contribute to allergies. Only give your body what it needs and in the right quantities.

A healthy and balanced diet definitely contributes to a healthy skin!

STRESS AND TIRED

Everyone experiences stress from time to time. However, long-term stress is not just detrimental to your health but it can also have consequences for your skin, nails and hair. In times of stress the sebaceous glands produce more testosterone receptors than normal, causing an increase in sebum production. The skin becomes oily and impure, especially in the T-zone because it has more sebaceous glands.

A stress-sensitive person is more susceptible to outbreaks of skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. A healthy diet and enough sleep and relaxation can help to battle these disorders.

If you’re exposed to too much stress or suffering from a lack of sleep, the production of the stress hormone cortisol will spike. This can lead to inflammation, especially with people who are predisposed to acne, psoriasis or allergies. Multiple inflamed cells in the body accelerate the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid, and those are precisely the cells that guarantee the elasticity of your skin and give the skin its glow. During deep sleep the moisture content in our bodies and in damaged cells is restored and the body is cleared of toxins. In other words, the skin of those people who rarely or never reach the deep sleep stage is not restored. Dark circles, dry skin and visible wrinkles are the result.

MOVEMENT

Sports activities are usually linked to a slim and healthy body but not to the skin. Still, sports have a positive impact on your skin as well. Exercise stimulates the blood circulation, enhancing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, including the skin cells. Frequent movement results in more perspiration. Sweat droplets push the accumulated waste to the surface, improving the drainage of waste.

After sports we’re usually tired and relaxed. The muscles in your face are also more relaxed, reducing the risk of developing crow’s feet.
In this context it is important to note that good skin care after sports is absolutely crucial. For instance, it is very bad for your skin to exercise without removing your make-up. You run the risk of clogging your pores, which may give rise to spots and inflammations. So be sure to cleanse your face before and after sports. Also, drink enough water during your physical activities in order to keep your body and skin hydrated.

THE SUN

Another potential risk to our skin is the sun. The sun not only accelerates the skin ageing process but it is also a major risk factor in the development of skin tumours