The quality, texture, and tone of our skin changes throughout our lifetime. At times you might feel like you have a blemish-free youthful glow, and others your skin takes on a tired, dull appearance. Strangely, the vitality of your skin goes back and forth throughout your lifetime, due to both genetic and environmental factors. Many skin issues can be treated with the help of a dermatologist. Others who experience hormonal imbalances related to acne may seek the help of an endocrinologist. Still, sometimes skin is simply reacting to the natural stress of your lifestyle. If you think this may be the case for you, it may be time to de-stress your life. Not only will this rejuvenate your skin, but it will help you live a better quality of life overall. Here are a few ways to relieve stress for healthier skin.
Get Active
Exercise is, without a doubt, one of the most important activities to keep your body and mind healthy. Our bodies are meant to move, so you may not be aware that sitting at your desk job all day inside could be harmful not only to your spine, but also to your skin. Whether you take a weight lifting class, jog, participate in kickboxing, or do a Pilates class, physical activity improves your skin by increasing circulation of blood flow. When circulation is stimulated, fresh nutrients and oxygenated blood reach skin quicker, which will keep skin vibrant and glowing. Increased circulation will also help flush out cellular debris and waste.
By wary that if you have sensitive skin, you will want to protect your skin from sweat, sun, and other irritation. Be sure that if you exercise outdoors, that you protect your skin with a high SPF. Remember that any tan is considered sun damage by dermatologists, and that sun damage can radically age skin by accelerating the prominence of wrinkles, freckles, and risk of skin cancer.
In addition, bacteria from work out machines at the gym or from your own workout clothes can increase the risk of forming acne on your body and face. While at the gym, avoid touching your face with your hands. Instead, dab your face lightly with a towel if you need to wipe the sweat. In addition, remove your workout clothing as soon as you get home. Your clothes—especially those made of synthetic materials—will house bacteria from your workout and feed off your sweat. Try to jump in the shower as soon as possible and use a gentle exfoliating scrub to clear your body of dead skin cells and bacteria. Finally, never wear your dirty gym clothes again until they go through the wash.
Eat Smarter
Diet and exercise combined work wonders for the body, including the skin. When you increase circulation due to exercise, you have the opportunity to bring healthy nutrients to your skin through the foods you eat. Several nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Protein, vitamin A, D, omega-3 fatty acids, and more, are all essential to bringing back the youthful glow of your skin.
Protein is integral to promoting skin vitality because it helps produce collagen and elastin tissue. These two provide the perfect recipe for staving off wrinkles and making your skin appear tighter longer. Eat foods rich in protein such as grass-fed beef that hasn’t been treated with artificial hormones and harsh chemicals. Certain nuts such as walnuts also provide adequate protein.
Fish provide one of the best sources of Omega-3’s. This form of fat is known to be heart-healthy and improve circulation. It is also best known to reduce inflammation if you suffer from rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis.
It goes without saying, but eat your vegetables. A hefty serving of leafy greens such as spinach or mustard greens are jam-packed with vitamins A and D. Other veggies such as bell peppers or tomatoes provide a vast array of vitamins and nutrients that will improve your skin’s resistance to sun damage, inflammation, and free radical damage.
Avoid artificial sugars, which is considered the number one factor to acne production. When insulin levels spike, the excess sugar gets expelled from many organs, including skin. Many reach for a glass of wine to destress, but this habit can actually make stress worse in the long run and wreak havoc on your skin. The connection between alcohol and acne is strong because of its sugar content, so eat and drink in moderation.
Looking to live a healthier, happy life and get great skin in the process? Relieve stress with these simple daily habits and feel the immediate difference.
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