Six Keys to Healthier Skin
No one has perfect skin. Our skin is a living organ (our largest organ) and constantly responds to our environment, so it's always changing. I spent so much of my teens and early twenties battling with my skin. I have struggled with combination skin, eczema, and contact dermatitis. My skin is so sensitive that looking at the wrong product can make me break into hives. Even though I love trying new products, I have developed a basic formula for healthy skin. Before I share some of my favorite products, let me be a basic influencer for a minute and say that healthy skin does come from a healthy lifestyle (I know, I know, eye roll). I could be better. I go through seasons where I am lax in my diet and lifestyle, but whenever I slip too far because of my busy schedule or just feeling lazy, I see the toll my bad habits have on my skin. So here are my six keys to healthier skin.
1: Stay Hydrated
I know it's trite, but you DO need to drink enough water to keep your skin full and bright. How much water you drink and how you get it is up to you. I don't think everyone can or should drink a gallon of water daily, but there are simple ways to add more water to your diet. Have a water bottle nearby for sips whenever you need it. Eat water-based fruits and vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, pineapple, lettuce, and celery. And apply the water first rule. Before you reach for another drink like juice, that second cup of coffee, or Diet Coke, have a glass of water. Your refreshed skin will thank you.
2: Eat Right (for you)
Pay attention to your body's reactions to food and notice signs of allergy or intolerance. My skin does not like too much dairy, capsaicin (found in spicy peppers), nightshade fruits and vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes), and I am mildly allergic to tree nuts and rosemary. Does this mean that I never have any of the above? I am eating a cheesy southwest breakfast burrito as I write this article. No one-size-fits-all diet works for everyone, so plan to eat foods that are good for you, and if you have trouble getting certain micronutrients, consider adding a supplement. If you need help creating a plan that works for you, meet with a licensed dietitian, allergy specialist, or physician specializing in a healthy lifestyle.
3: Change with the seasons
Our bodies were created to operate at peak efficiency. If you live in a part of the world with distinct seasons, your skin needs different products and routines based on the weather. For instance, in the summer months, when it's hot and I am constantly sweating, my skincare products are all about preventing oiliness, fighting bacteria, and light hydration. My summers also come with a lot of humidity, so I don't need a thick moisturizer. Conversely, in the winter months, which can be biting cold and dry (from heating systems), my skin can get super dry, so I pull out my thicker products and layer on the moisture.
4: Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep will probably be your most challenging step if you are a chronic workaholic perfectionist. But let me hold your hand while I say this. Put the phone down, stop scrolling, stop emailing, stop planning/worrying, and sleep. We all have times (seasons) when we get less sleep (when we are traveling for work, when we are new parents, when we are in a big transition), but every role and responsibility you have is better served if you are well-rested. Our skin needs rest to regenerate new skin cells and encourage blood flow, which results in a more even skin tone.
5: Don't Stress
Our body's immune system fights off attacks, so if there is a foreign body, like pollen or a virus, our body will use every tool available to fight and keep you safe. When stressed, our body feels the danger and will fight. Often, this comes in the form of pimples, hives, and other rashes. I found myself about to return to a job I hated due to desperation and financial struggles. During onboarding, I developed a terrible rash on my chest and neck. My dad pointed out that this had happened before at the same job. He told me that no job was worth my health, and after thinking about it, I decided not to accept the job. My hives cleared up, and now I use skin breakouts as a signal to check in on my stress levels. Stress management has worked wonders for my skin.
6: Keep It Simple
The perfect 14-step skincare routine with 31 products will only work if you implement it into your life. As with almost everything in my life, I am learning that consistency is better than perfection. When making changes in your routine, you want them to be attainable, simple, and aligned with what you are already doing. If you are starting to get serious about healthy skin, choose one thing, like wearing sunscreen daily or drinking more water, and grow from there. And remember, never compare your journey to someone else's. That perfectly defined cheekbone might be from a strict gua sha routine or buccal fat removal surgery. Either way, love yourself, and your skin will thank you!
