When it comes to plump, radiant skin, the likes of Miranda Kerr, Rihanna and J-Lo have it completely downpat.
However, for most of the rest of us it is a constant battle to try and achieve.
Unfortunately, there is no magic potion we can drink or tablet we can take that will instantly give us the glowing skin we so crave.
Instead, we need to combine lifestyle choices with a considered skincare to try and cultivate it.
If you are tired of the state of your skin already and you want to embark on a conscious effort to make it look as flawless as possible, there are several things you can do.
In this article we’ll focus purely on the lifestyle aspects. So, if you are ready, let’s get into it!
1. Drink plenty of water
First things first. If you want glowing skin, you are going to need to drink a lot of water.
Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Not only does it help to hydrate and plump the skin, but it also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, flushes toxins out of the body and improves blood circulation.
In addition, it also supports the production of collagen and even reduces inflammation.
Sufficient hydration also helps your body to deliver essential nutrients to the skin and keeps it functioning at an optimal level. By contrast, when the skin is dehydrated, it can look dull and lacklustre and may be more prone to breakouts, irritation, and other skin conditions.
The exact amount of water you should drink depends on factors like your gender, age, the climate in which you live and your general level of physical activity. However, as a rule, Australian women are advised to consume a minimum of 2 litres daily, while men should gulp about 2.5 litres.
2. Get lots of sleep
As well as drinking plenty of water you also need to get lots of sleep.
Sleep is critical to maintaining healthy skin, as it provides your body with an opportunity to repair and rejuvenate itself.
Whilst you slumber, the body produces collagen, which is a protein that helps keep skin firm and young looking.
Getting good sleep also reduces inflammation and improves your blood circulation and expedites the delivery of essential nutrients to the skin. So, in short, the more sleep you get the better it is for your skin health.
If you can, aim to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.
This is important because if you are sleep deprived, it can cause the skin to appear dull and tired. It can also exacerbate existing skin conditions like acne and eczema because your body produces more cortisol – a hormone that can break down collagen and thus contribute to wrinkles and fine lines.
3. Drink less alcohol and coffee
And now for some bad news. If you want good skin, you are going to have to cut down on the alcohol and coffee.
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and coffee can have negative effects on your overall skin health.
Alcohol is a diuretic that can dehydrate the skin, causing it to become dull and tired. Like sleep deprivation, it can make existing skin conditions like eczema and acne worse. It can also lead to increased inflammation in the body that can further damage skin.
By the same token, caffeine, which is present in coffee, is a stimulant that can dehydrate your skin. It also increases your cortisol levels as well.
4 Give up smoking
Yep. If you want skin that glows from within, then you are going to have to give up the smoke.
Smoking is one of the most harmful habits for your skin health, as it can have a lot of negative effects on it.
Not only does smoking narrow the blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, but it also reduces blood flow and deprives your skin of the essential nutrients and oxygen it needs.
On a prolonged basis, smoking can also increase the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells and contribute to skin aging. It also reduces your levels of collagen production and breaks down the existing collagen you have, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.
The regular pursing of your lips when smoking can also create wrinkles around the mouth. (Unfortunately, this probably applies to kissing too!)
Aside from the damage it does to your skin, smoking has also been linked to skin cancer and several other health issues including heart disease, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Exfoliate Weekly for Radiant Skin
Exfoliating weekly is a crucial step in your skincare routine, helping to eliminate accumulated dead skin cells. This process promotes natural cell turnover, revealing a smoother, more refined complexion for radiant skin. The removal of dead skin also facilitates better absorption of subsequent skincare products, allowing them to penetrate deeper for enhanced effectiveness. Consider incorporating a trusted exfoliant, such as Beverly Hills MD Skin Renewing Polish, to gently slough off impurities, leaving your skin refreshed and revitalized.
5. Eat garlic and drink bone broth
No, it is not a joke. And we are not trying to ruin your chances of getting a date (seriously!). But eating garlic and drinking bone broth is an excellent way to increase the amount of collagen in your body.
The more collagen rich foods you eat, the plumper your skin will be. So, feast on the likes of garlic and bone broth, as well as eggs, fish and citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit.
All of these have properties that are very effective when it comes to creating a lubricating moisturiser within your body.
6. Get more Vitamin D
Vitamin D is renowned for being fat-soluble. Therefore, you will be more susceptible to dry and flaky skin if you are lacking in it. This is due to it initiating the receptors which assist with the formation of your skin barrier.
The best way to top up your Vitamin D levels is to spend between 10 minutes and half an hour in the sun, particularly at noon, a few times during the week. Just be sure to wear plenty of 50 SPF sunscreen when you are outside.
7. Take collagen supplements
The opinion on this one is divided among health experts. But taking collagen supplements can be a convenient way to increase your intake of this protein, which is essential for good skin health.
Collagen supplements come in various forms, including powder, liquids, and pills, and are often marketed as a way to improve skin health and reduce the signs of aging. However, the evidence on the effectiveness of collagen supplements for skin health is mixed and their full benefits are not clearly understood.
If you are interested in taking collagen supplements as a way to enhance your skin, it is worth consulting your doctor or a dermatologist for guidance.
Conclusion
We hope you have found this overview of the lifestyle choices you can make to help your skin glow from within, very helpful.
At the end of the day, what you put into your body is very important. So, if you don’t take steps to eat healthily, drink less coffee and alcohol, quit smoking and get plenty of sleep, you’ll find yourself with an uphill battle.
Should this be your current situation, or you merely want to kickstart your way to plump skin, you can learn more here about what works to stimulate collagen production in the skin.
