The Science Of Healthy Skin: The Hidden Factors Hurting Your Complexion

Are you struggling with your complexion? You’re not alone!

We all strive to achieve a healthy, radiant complexion, but many women find this a struggle. There is much more to consider alongside your use of products and treatments, to get the best from your skin. When it comes to skin complaints with no apparent cause, several hidden factors could be to blame. By understanding how the world around you can harm your complexion, you can take steps to address them.

Protect your skin from the environment

The environment can have a major impact on your complexion. Pollution, sun exposure, and wind can all cause surface damage to your skin, not to mention damage at the cellular level. Pollution and UVA rays, in particular, cause oxidative stress, which is directly linked to the signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. 

We may be blessed to live in a part of the world where air pollution isn’t an issue, but UV damage is a daily threat. For the sake of your skin, take care to protect yourself with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays, as well as a hat and sunglasses. 

Your lifestyle can impact your complexion

Your lifestyle can have a significant impact on your skin’s appearance. Stress, in particular, can cause breakouts, impact oil production and even lead to conditions like rosacea. The best way to combat stress’s negative effects on your skin is to find ways to balance your lifestyle. You may want to consider exercise, relaxation techniques, or talking therapies, all of which are shown to help counteract stress. 

Learn more about How Stress Affects Your Skin.

Poor diet leads to lacklustre skin

Nutrition is another factor that plays a crucial role in your skin’s health. Without the vitamins, minerals, acids and fats our body craves, our skin can’t be nourished from within.

Eating a diverse range of nutritious foods can help keep your skin looking its best. Foods that are high in antioxidants, like berries, can help prevent oxidative stress and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and nuts, keep your skin moisturised. 

Medication can have skin side effects 

Many of us rely on medication for our physical or mental health, but unfortunately, some have unwelcome side effects, including skin problems. Some blood pressure and cholesterol medications can cause your skin to become dry and irritated, while contraceptives and hormone replacement can lead to oily skin. 

The right skincare treatment can help to rebalance skin impacted by medication. If you are taking medication and notice any changes in your skin, get in touch for an initial consultation. Our team will be happy to recommend a tailored treatment.

Fluctuating hormones impact your skin

Many hormones play a part in skin health, the most prolific being estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen keeps skin plump and firm by stimulating collagen and elastin, while progesterone stimulates the skin’s natural oils, helping to maintain moisture. 

While you can’t control your hormones, understanding their role in your skin’s health is half the battle. Both estrogen and progesterone fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, leading to acne breakouts, and they also decline during menopause, making skin drier and more prone to irritation. For this reason, your skincare routine should adapt to meet your skin’s needs during the month and your lifetime. 

Skin issues are often linked to genetics

Last but certainly not least, your genetics also play a role in the health of your skin. If you have a family history of conditions like rosacea or acne, you may be more likely to develop them yourself. In addition, your genes can determine how your skin responds to sun exposure and other environmental factors. This is one of the reasons it’s particularly important to be sun-savvy if you have a family history of skin cancer. 

While you can’t change your genetic predisposition to skin issues, you can seek help dealing with them. 

Get in touch with our team today to help improve the appearance and overall health of your skin. Together, we’ll help you uncover radiant, glowing skin.