The way our skin looks is often a reflection of what's going on inside our body. Stress, hormones and internal congestion can lead to dull skin, breakouts and premature visible ageing. While it's essential to invest in an effective natural skin care regime, it's just as important to focus on what's going on inside to improve your skin tone. There are a few surprisingly simple lifestyle changes that you can make to ensure your skin functions as well as it possibly can - here are seven of the very best ways to improve your skin tone.
Drink More Water To Improve Your Skin Tone
While it's important to keep your skin hydrated by choosing the right oils, serums and moisturisers, it's just as important to stay hydrated from the inside out. Drinking eight glasses of water a day ensures your skin and body is adequately hydrated. Above all, water flushes toxins and acne-causing bacteria from the body.
Cut Back On Your Vices
Alcohol, tobacco and junk food can harm the appearance of your skin almost immediately. Alcohol dehydrates the body, which brings us back to our first point. Furthermore, the sugars found in many alcoholic beverages, especially fruity cocktails. Most junk food may lead to inflammation. That telltale puffy face you may have woken up with after a big night? You can thank sugar and carbs for that! Cigarettes are even worse for your skin as they drastically reduce blood flow, meaning all those good vitamins and nutrients aren't being pumped up to your face, leading your skin to look dry, sallow and prematurely aged.
Get Your Eight Hours
There's a reason they call it "beauty sleep!" While we rest, our body works to pump blood up to the face as well as sweeping your system of dead blood cells so your skin can go back to functioning the way it should the next morning. If we don't get enough sleep, we'll wake up looking dehydrated and with puffy eyes, dark circles and a dull complexion.
Stress Less To Improve Your Skin Tone
In times of intense stress, our body over-produces a hormone called cortisol which tells your skin to produce more oil. Too much of that oil will lead to clogged pores, and clogged pores become pimples. Stressing less is easier said than done, but try to take a proper lunch break while you're at work to regroup, consider taking up meditation and do something each day to make yourself smile - your skin will thank you for it!
Eat Your Greens
Dark, leafy greens are packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which all work together to improve the overall health of the skin, increasing cell turnover to ensure your skin is looking fresh and bright 'round the clock. Greens are also great for digestion, which means your body will be ridding itself of any nasty buildup or toxins that can lead to skin problems, and ultimately will improve your skin tone. At the other end of the spectrum, greasy junk foods, refined carbs and processed sugars can cause inflammation, breakouts and excess oil production.
Prioritise Sun Protection
We all know that prolonged UV exposure can lead to serious long-term health conditions. However, sun damage has an immediate effect on the skin as well. Too much unprotected time in the sun can lead to dark spots, pigmentation, premature ageing and reduced elasticity. Ensure you're wearing UVA and UVB protection each day and you can safely enjoy the great outdoors.
Consider Your Surroundings
Finally, think about where you spend the majority of your time. Make minor changes to tailor your skincare routine to your lifestyle. If you work in an office, chances are your skin is being dried out by heating and air conditioning. Keep a hydrating mist on hand to replenish those moisture levels throughout the day. If you work outdoors, top up your SPF every four hours to ensure you aren't leaving your skin open to mid-afternoon sun damage.
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