If you think about it, as we grow older, the skincare battle is about slowing down the clock. Our bodies change along with our skin’s properties. What we tend to lose is the skin’s ability to correct itself, bounce back fast from ideal conditions, and produce rapidly the substance it needs like collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.

Our skin is also an indicator of our overall health. Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas says tells us, “Good and healthy skin can be described as one that is even-toned, smooth, with not-so-visible pores and without bumps, cracks or breaks in the skin. It can be pink but not red and is neither dry, flaky, nor oily and wrinkled. Healthy skin is a reflection of a healthy body.”

In the first part, we talked about the skincare ingredients that will help you maintain that youthful skin. Here, we’re delving into your habits that go beyond your vanity set-up.

What are five good habits people should develop early to promote their skin health?

#1 Have a good skincare routine that you are willing to follow consistently.

#2 Eat a balanced diet and minimize consumption of refined sugars, trans fat, and processed food. Your body needs the right food to supply it with the nutrients it needs to function correctly. Without them, you become weak and more prone to diseases.

#3 Get enough restful sleep. This is just as important as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. It is when we sleep that our body recovers. It is crucial for proper brain functioning and significantly affects cognition, concentration, and performance.

#4 Exercise regularly. Being active and regularly moving benefits, you not only physically but also mentally. It is essential in the maintenance of strong bones and has been shown to improve your mood and well-being and reduce stress and anxiety.

#5 Limit exposure to harmful elements. Avoid prolonged and extended exposure to UV radiation. Stop smoking. Both are detrimental to your skin and body as a whole.

What are everyday things that people do that speeds up the aging process?

#1 Improper sunscreen use such as not applying the right amount, missing other body parts, not reapplying every two to three hours, and not using sunscreens on cloudy days.

#2 Consuming too much sugar, processed food, alcohol, and caffeine. These cause inflammation accelerating the skin aging process.

#3 Being stressed continuously. An increase in stress hormones that can, later on, cause hypertension, less efficient and slower metabolism, and contribute to skin aging.

#4 Using items that dry the skin such as harsh soaps and cleansers or alcohol-based products. These strip your skin’s natural lipids that protect it from microbes and environmental toxins, making you more prone to irritation and infection.

#5 Not taking care of your hair and nails as both also reflect our overall health.