7 DEADLY SKIN SINS
Updated: Aug 4, 2020
All the skincare in the world won't help if you don't tackle factors that could destroy your skin.
Here are the seven deadly sins and the solutions to help keep your skin in tip top condition.
SUN
Exposing your skin to sunlight can be the fastest way of ageing your skin.
when UV light hits the skins surface it produces molecules called free redicals which destroy healthy cells. They can create cross-links between fats and proteins in the skin, damaging its structural collagen and elastin (the two ingredients we need to keep our skin firm & plump) which can lead to the formation of wrinkles.
A person's complexion partly determines how quickly he or she gets burned. If a person with a light complexion and a person with a dark complexion went to the beach together and neither of them wore sunscreen, the person with the light complexion would burn faster. This happens because fair-skinned people start out with less melanin, which gives you a tan and helps protect you from the sun.
The good news is that you can prevent sun damage by applying sunscreen before leaving the house. There is debate though on the ingredients they use in sunscreens so if you have no idea what's in yours then maybe check out this link Is Sunscreen Toxic? for more information & a DIY make your own sunscreen.
When it comes down to it, simple common sense is key - if you know its too hot, find shade & cover up. Peak hours tend to be between 11-3pm and the strongest sunscreen can not be 100% reliable.
SMOKING
The change over the past few years has been amazing! OK there are still people that smoke but every effort has been made to stop the progress and less and less people smoke.
Lets cut to it, we know smoking is bad by why is it soooo bad for our skin?
Nicotine in cigarettes constricts the blood vessels in the face, this in turn will give your complexion a grey tone plus an ingredient called acetaldehyde goes to work, attacking the fibres in your skin. Finally a chemical reaction also occurs that causes the destruction of the elastin and collagen. The simple answer to how to prevent - quit.
There are so many possible ways to do it these days - patches, chewing gum, tablets, support groups etc. You've got to want to do it, then when decided - go for it!
ALCOHOL
Gin & tonic anyone? Make mine a double!
I'm partial to a G&T or a Vodka & Russian but too much can be a total killer for your skin.
Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and in delicate skin this can cause broken veins plus it can also contain acetaldehyde (like smoking) which attacks the skin fibres and can dehydrate the skin too. Key stoppers - Keep hydrated with water and go easy on the alcohol.
STRESS
Its beens a manic week, month, year.... and you feel totally overwhelmed. We've all been there but stress can effect the skin in a number of ways. It can trigger acne, it can reduce nutrient intake from your skin and your skin doesn't absorb products as well as when skin is relaxed. If stress starts building up take time out to relax - that means no phone or computer!
Have a day off tech, or run yourself a hot bath. Try adding lavender essential oil directly to your bath or use one of our kaolin & lavender Coconut Cleansing Bars, it is made using a range of natural oils & clay to pull impurities out & sooth tired skin.
SLEEP
Kids keeping you up? or simply just can't sleep?
Night time is when your skin repairs itself plus the skin is more absorbent at night (best time to put that serum on guys!) Lack of sleep will not only leave you with dark circles and puffiness it can also cause spot outbreaks. Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep but if you feel that you aren't getting enough try drinking a warm drink before bed infused with passion flower to aid drifting off or try a relaxing bath as above by using a little lavender.
POLLUTION
This is a hard one as we are surrounded by pollution in the air every day and is dependent on where you live. We breath in pollution every day and aren't really aware of it but there are ways of reducing the damage by eating more fruit and vegetables which contain antioxidants to help fight the damage.
LACK OF EXERCISE
With the likes of Youtube, free online books, social media there is a whole host of FREE fitness guides..... Yes FREE!!!
Physical activity helps boost skin tone by increasing the amount of oxygen in your blood and reducing the amount of toxins that build up under your skin. Its also a great stress reliever which in turn will help you sleep better - what's not to love?!
Here are our TOP 3 favs for FREE workout ideas:
Queen of home works outs: Brittne Babe (@bittneybabe)
Gym Bunny & Mum: Kim French (@kimfrench87)
Are you a non-sunscreen wearer or maybe you have an idea on how to help combat one of the above... let us know as we'd love to hear from you.
Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog post is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Naghtons Skincare is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. You understand and agree that Naughtons Skincare shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.