What are the Main Causes of Unhealthy Skin?

What are the Main Causes of Unhealthy Skin?

It’s easy to feel self-conscious if your skin looks unhealthy: your complexion is one of the first things people notice about you, especially if it’s affected by a particularly visible condition like acne, blemishes, rashes or eczema.

We all need to take care of our skin to keep it looking (and feeling) healthy. How can you make this easier for yourself? By understanding the biggest causes of unhealthy skin and taking action to reduce their impact.

Unhealthy Skin Cause #1: Smoking 

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your body. It’s terrible for you inside and out — and it makes a bigger impact on your skin than you may realize. 

Here are just a few of the skin problems smoking can cause:

• Psoriasis:smoking increases your risk of developing psoriasis, with the nicotine itself believed to be the main cause. Psoriasis leads to itchy patches of red, scaly skin, causing severe irritation

• Loss of elasticity:smoking reduces flesh’s elasticity over time, contributing to sagging skin that may make you look older than you actually are

• More wrinkles:if you smoke, you’re likely to develop more wrinkles around the eyes and mouth earlier than non-smokers

Unhealthy Skin Cause #2: Dehydration

If your body lacks the proper hydration over a prolonged period, you may notice your skin starts to lose its usual color, feels dry and even has more fine lines than normal.

Drink plenty of water (at least eight large glasses a day, though you may need more if you lead an active lifestyle) to stay hydrated and give your skin the moisture it demands. Try to get into the habit of drinking water wherever you are — at work, relaxing on the couch, seeing friends etc.

Unhealthy Skin Cause #3: Bad Diet

Most of us indulge in the foods we know aren’t exactly great for us from time to time. The occasional treat is fine as part of a healthy lifestyle — but if you’re devouring junk food every day, you could be damaging your skin’s health.

Your skin is the body’s biggest organ, and like other organs, it needs the proper nutrition to function at its best. A lack of vitamins and minerals will take a noticeable toll on your skin over time.

Aim to eat more of the following foods:

• Broccoli
• Sweet potatoes
• Blueberries
• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Brazil nuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Mango

Unhealthy Skin Cause #4: UV Radiation

Spending too much time in the sun is incredibly bad for your skin. At its most extreme, excessive sun-exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer. At a more superficial level, though, it may leave your skin leathery, prone to dark spots and increased wrinkles.

Make sure you cover up and wear high-SPF sunblock when you know you’re going to be in direct sunlight for long periods. Apply sunblock even on overcast days for maximum protection.

At Astra Medi Spa, our experts offer an extensive range of facialsdesigned to improve your skin and leave it looking healthier than ever. Want to book yourself infor a treatment? Get in touch today!