'Think your healthy and holistic lifestyle has a beneficial impact on your skin?.. I might just prove you wrong..

That E-cigarette

Don't get me wrong - I am delighted you've managed to cut out the fags - however, replacing them with vapor or e-cigarettes, doesn't mean you're out of those skin-destroying woods just yet. Electronic cigarettes still contain nicotine and it is this, in combination with with the heat they emit, which causes premature ageing. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, meaning less blood reaches the skin. The skin itself receives fewer nutrients and oxygen, resulting in reduction in collagen and elasticity, causing sagging and premature ageing. then there's the fact that you are using the facial muscles of the mouth to drag on the cigarette, which will eventually contribute to lines and wrinkles around the lips.

The Fix!

Simple - stop smoking e-cigarettes!. Drink plenty of water daily to fight cravings and hydrate your skin, and use a good but basic skincare regime which contains Vitamin A, C and E. Take up exercise to keep busy, going power-walking, swimming or joining a gym..

DITCHING THE CAR

It's great you have chosen public transport for your daily commute, reducing your CO footprint - but is it the right choice for your complexion?. hand rails and seats on public transport can harbor a lot of germs. touching this commonly used areas, then your face can transport bacteria on your skin, causing blockages to the pores and possible infections. that's before you've factored in the pollution from all the fumes, the second most harmful aggressor to the skin after the sun. Stress also has a damaging effect on critical DNA in the cells of the body - and who doesn't get stressed with the inevitable public transport overcrowding and delays?. Most stressed individuals have been shown to have the shortest telomeres - the shorter they are, they less able they are to protect our DNA - and does who don't experience much stress have healthier DNA. When you get stressed, your sebaceous glands also produce more oil and this can result in adult acne, which again has a negative impact on the condition of your skin.

The Fix!

Each morning, apply an antioxidant serum to protect your skin cells from free radical damage. Its vital you keep a hand sanitizing gel in your handbag to curb the spread of spot-causing germs - and listen to some relaxing music while you travel. Better still, why not get off a stop early and take a de-stressing walk as the final part of your journey?

AN EARLY NIGHT

Realizing that burning the midnight oil is no way to counter the effects of ageing deserves a pat on the back, yet be careful you don't enjoy too much slumber time.

An average person only needs around eight hours of sleep a night to function

Its more commonly known that too little sleep can prevent the skin from renewing properly, however what most people don't realize is that too much sleep is also equally bad for your complexion. Staying still for too long can slow down blood flow to the skin, meaning less oxygen id delivered, therefore slowing cell renewal and causing premature ageing. Lymphatic drainage is also slowed down during this time, which can lead to a build-up of toxins in the skin resulting in puffiness and dark circles around the eyes as well as skin breakouts. Even the way you choose to sleep can have an impact - you may have a favorite side to sleep on, but this won't do your skin favors, restricting blood flow and causing wrinkles where you tend to sleep in the same position.

The Fix!

The best way to sleep is lie on your back, slightly elevated. This means the skin isn't pressed into the pillow for long hours, causing damage and blood flow isn't restricted. As for products, its best to cleanse, tone and use a serum or night cream to hydrate your complexion while you are sleeping. Wash your pillowcases and bedsheets regularly too, so that any bacteria that buil up do not transfer onto your skin and cause congestion. It is also important to make sure you are hydrated before bed, while a small facial massage can also be beneficial to boost blood flow and lymphatic drainage.

HITTING THE GYM!

Before you joyfully cut out your membership card, it's important to remember that exercise is still a good thing - although your weekly gym habits might not be. Exercise releases adrenaline and creates happy hormones called endomorphins. However, the sweat we produce from a good exercixe session deprives the skin of its natural nutrients, causing it to potentuially become dry, flaky, itchy or tight. This can be worsened in air-conditioned environments such as your gym, and heightened further if you do not properly cleanse youe face or have a shower. As working out helps to flush toxins from the body via the skin, exercising with that face full of slap, trapping those toxins and causing breakouts, is a no-no!. Also remember to wash your hands after using all equipment - just think of all the sweaty hands that have handled it before you. Instead mop your brow with a towel, which again should be washed with your gym kit after every visit.

The Fix!

Keep you fluids topped up pre and post workout. Showering after a session is key; however, avoid staying in the shower too long, as it will strip your skin of its natural oils. Going make-up free is a must, as well as double cleansing your skin thoroughly after working out. The first cleanse removes sweat and pollution, while the second penetrates the bare skin, meaning you reap all of the benefits from your products. Use a hydrating toner and follow with moisturizer or serum to help support the skin and restore its natural pH level.

HEALTHY DIET

Cutting out takeaways, ready meals and fried food will see you on the right track to super-sexy skin - so long as you're careful with what you replace those meals with. There are actually many diet and healthy foods that are bad for your skin. Foods and drink to watch out for include low-fat yorghurt, containing a lot of hormones that increase the chance of developing acne; whole grain foods that contain gluten, which affects out gut and in turn our skin; and diet sodas containing phosphoric acid which causes your body to be over-acidic. don't think that skipping meals is the answer either; if you are not keeping properly hydrated, i can dry out your skin and cause you to age quicker.

The Fix!

The best diet for healthy glowing skin is a low-fat, plant based diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and some whole grains. This is more alkaline than the standard western diet, which means it does not need to expel acidic toxins through out your skin. Some great foods to include are dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, broccoli, red and yellow peppers, carrots and wheatgrass juice.

All images are from Pixabay

REFERENCES

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I really hope this post was helpful. I might need to do some adjustments in my daily activities myself.

Thanks for stopping by..
Steem on and stay awesome!
@alisonudeme