Here’s a breakdown of the 8 key factors affecting your skin and practical ways to manage them
The skin is your body’s largest organ, and it’s influenced by a variety of lifestyle factors. From the quality of your sleep to the products you use, each plays a critical role in how your skin looks and feels. As a certified beautician and organic skincare formulator, I’m here to help you understand these influences and how to maintain glowing, healthy skin.
1. Sleep
How It Impacts the Skin:
Lack of sleep reduces the skin’s ability to repair itself, leading to dullness, fine lines, and dark circles. It also increases cortisol levels, which can worsen acne and redness.
How to Help:
- Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep nightly.
- Create a calming bedtime routine to reduce stress, for example have a relaxing bath and a warm drink.
- Use silk pillowcases to minimise skin friction.
2. Stress
How It Impacts the Skin:
Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can lead to inflammation, breakouts, and premature aging.
How to Help:
- Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or journaling. Try the Kouraz Wellness journals.
- Incorporate exercise to reduce stress hormones.
- Use calming skincare products with ingredients like rose otto, find it in the 23k Gold Elixir Face Oil.
3. Exercise
How It Impacts the Skin:
Exercise increases blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin. However, sweating can clog pores if not cleaned properly.
How to Help:
- Always cleanse your face post-workout.
- Use lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen if exercising outdoors.
- Hydrate to replenish lost fluids. Try the Turmeric & Ginger Elixir
4. Central Heating
How It Impacts the Skin:
Central heating dries out the air, stripping your skin of natural moisture and causes dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
How to Help:
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, if you don’t have one, a small tray of water placed under the radiator works in the same way!
- Apply a hydrating moisturiser with ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
- Avoid overly hot showers, which can worsen dryness.
5. Water & Nutrition
How It Impacts the Skin:
Dehydration and poor nutrition can leave skin dull and prone to breakouts or sagging. Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., lack of vitamins A, C, and E) slow collagen production and healing.
How to Help:
- Drink at least 2 litres of water daily. This doesn’t include tea, coffee or alcohol as these encourage urination and can deplete the body of valuable water. For every cup of tea, coffee or alcohol, have a glass of water.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins.
- Include omega-3-rich foods like salmon or flaxseeds for glowing skin.
6. Hormones
How It Impacts the Skin:
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can lead to acne, dryness, or hyperpigmentation.
How to Help:
- Use targeted treatments that contain Sea Buckthorn oil to help naturally bring your skin and hormones into balance. Try the Golden Elixir Healing Balm or the Golden Cerise Drops.
- Maintain a consistent skincare routine with gentle, pH-balanced products.
- Consult a dermatologist for severe hormonal imbalances.
7. Alcohol
How It Impacts the Skin:
Alcohol dehydrates the skin, reducing elasticity and increasing redness or puffiness. Over time, it can exacerbate fine lines and dullness.
How to Help:
- Limit alcohol intake and follow up with plenty of water.
- Incorporate antioxidant-rich skincare products like vitamin C.
- Use cooling eye creams to reduce puffiness. It’s true that cucumbers work in the same way. Why not have a relaxing bath with slices of cucumber on your eyes to cool and de-stress.
8. Skincare Products
How It Impacts the Skin:
Using the wrong products can damage your skin barrier, cause irritation, or lead to clogged pores. Overuse of harsh treatments may strip natural oils.
How to Help:
- Choose products suited to your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive). If you need some advice, leave a comment below and Anoushka will provide a FREE 30 minute consultation.
- Avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol or synthetic fragrances.
- Invest in high-quality, natural skincare with nourishing botanicals.