In today’s increasingly busy environment, where stress, pollution and poor diets all play a part, it can be difficult improving the condition of your skin without a wealth of products and supplements. When we’re stressed, our adrenal glands release cortisol which heightens the amount of skin problems we suffer with. It makes blood vessels more reactive, which shuts down the blood flow to vital organs – one of these is our skin. The result is that collagen production is impaired and our skin loses firmness. A dull and uneven skintone can add years, not to mention visible pores, dry skin, age spots and wrinkles. These all add up to skin fatigue, which can be tricky to combat once you have it. There are ways to do it though, which don’t need to cost the earth. Some of the main lifestyle factors which damage skin include a lack of sleep, too much alcohol, smoking, a lack of exercise and stress. You’ll notice that by eating better, exercising more, giving up the cigarettes and eating a better diet, your skin will improve significantly. There are external factors which you can attempt to combat too, though.
Firstly, you need to improve the circulation of your skin to get the blood flowing to it and the brightness back. Exfoliating is a great way to do this, as it removes dead and dry skin from the surface to reveal a natural glow and improve the condition of your skin. You should use a gentle exfoliator twice a week, following up with a moisturiser to lock in the moisture and keep skin supple. Vitamin B3 has been promoted as a great addition to your diet for skin woes, as it increases the natural moisture barrier and starves off wrinkles – you can get supplements with this nutrient to ensure you’re getting enough. Olivem has also been hailed as an anti-ageing miracle – this olive oil derivative can decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Your diet is a great place to start though – aim for plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, fresh fruit and vegetables, and plenty of water to keep skin hydrated and healthy. Protein will also boost the development of new and healthy skin cells.
