Skin is the largest organ on the body and how beautifully complex it is! Comprised of water, protein, fats, and minerals, the skin’s job is to protect the body from germs and control body temperature. With such an important task, proper skincare is imperative in maintaining and improving the overall look and function of this unique organ.

Sleep for Skincare

According to a study published by the Clinical and Experimental Dermatology Journal, those who slept 7 to 9 hours a night had skin that was more moisturized compared to those who slept five hours or less. In addition, the skin was able to protect and heal itself better after being exposed to ultraviolet light compared to those who had poor sleep quality. The study also found the erythema (redness of the skin) was significantly improved.

When we sleep, the skin repairs itself making new collagen (the primary structural protein in connective tissues, making up 25% – 35% of the whole-body protein content). Collagen is responsible for helping the skin maintain its elasticity and volume. During sleep, the blood flow to the skin increases, allowing the skin to take in more nutrients. This helps the skin recover from exposure to elements, improving the appearance of skin.

Poor sleep quality can lead to sagging skin and increased inflammation. Inflammation can cause certain skin irritations such as acne, dark undereye circles, swollen eyelids, droopy corners of the mouth, and lack of glow in the skin. Aim to sleep 7-9 hours in order to reap the benefits of beauty rest. Click here to learn ways to improve sleep quality in my latest blog post, “A Quality Night’s Rest.”

Face Washing for Skincare

It’s easy to go to bed without taking 5 – 10 minutes to cleanse the face, but it is necessary for skincare. The daily grime of pollutants, viruses, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells lurk on the surface our skin. Foregoing proper face washing can lead to breakouts, redness, and dry, irritated skin from lack of sufficient hydration. Daily face washing removes the dirt and oil build-up from the day, boosts hydration by allowing the products we use to retain moisture, and maintain clear skin. Overall, an unwashed face would eventually appear dirty, oily, and aged. And we don’t want that! For more information on developing a face washing routine, check out “The Face Washing Guide.”

Diet for Skincare

The diet is often overlooked as an essential part of proper skincare, but it’s my favorite topic to discuss. I spent eight years researching the effects of diet and aging health and I am here to tell you that a poor diet will age you! A diet made primarily of fast food, sugar, and carbs will cause inflammation and poor gut health. As learned earlier, inflammation can cause breakouts, rashes, swelling, redness, infections, and the inability for the skin to heal itself. Click here for more information on gut health (the body’s control center). Depending on your overall health and age, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats is best for maintaining inflammation.

Think of your body as a connected system working to maintain your skin, hair, organs, and bones. What you eat can definitely affect what happens to your skin! The vitamins and minerals found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats are consistently linked with fewer wrinkles less age-related dryness. Choosing to consume foods high in saturated fats and sugar are most often found to cause skin problems. Read “The Skin Diet Connection” for more information.

Keep in Mind

Cells that make up your skin are replaced every two to three weeks. As the main protection against environmental factors, your skin needs to be in top shape. Don’t neglect your skin. Take care of your skin and your body. It’s the only place you’ve got to live.

For more information on how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, check out the recipe section.