Get Your Glow Back!

The appearance of our skin, hair and nails are considered reflections of our internal health. While some factors that influence our appearance are beyond our control, many daily habits and lifestyle choices can have a profound impact on how we look and feel. From nutrition and physical activity to sun exposure and environmental influences, small choices can make a big difference over time. ¹

As the body's first line of defence, our skin protects us from environmental stressors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, chemicals, injuries, and foreign agents. Likewise, our hair and nails are constantly exposed to internal and external factors that can affect their health and appearance. The good news? There are simple, practical steps you can take every day to support healthy skin, hair, and nails to help get your glow back! ¹

Sun Exposure

While sunlight provides important benefits, including supporting Vitamin D production, excessive sun exposure is one of the leading causes of accelerated skin ageing, known as photoageing. Over time, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can affect the health of our skin, hair, and nails. ^{2, 3}

To ensure sun protection, always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and cover the areas that are frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, décolletage, back of the neck and hands. Invest in sun protective clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) and sunglasses too. Protective hairstyles and a wide-brimmed hat help protect the face, scalp and hair from the sun. ^{3, 4, 5}

Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle choices play a major role in our overall appearance and it is no secret that a poorly balanced lifestyle can affect our skin health. Factors such as good nutrition via dietary sources, regular rest, physical activity and the importance of positive social relationships all contribute to overall wellbeing and can influence our skin. ^{1, 3}

Nutrition is often overlooked, yet the foods we eat provide the building blocks for not only healthy skin, hair, and nails, but overall general health and wellbeing. Diets high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars can contribute to the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), compounds that may damage important collagen structures and delay wound healing. In contrast, dietary patterns centred around whole foods, plant-based ingredients, and Mediterranean or Eastern-style eating patterns may help support overall skin health. Remember to stay well hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day. ^{1, 6}

Nutrition also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair growth and supporting nail health. Prioritising a varied and nutrient-rich diet can help reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies that may affect the condition of your skin, hair, and nails. ⁷

Environmental Factors

The environment we live in can also influence the appearance and condition of our skin, hair, and nails. Common environmental factors include pollution, toxins, pollen, allergens, cosmetic alterations, and exposure to extreme weather conditions.

One of the simplest ways to support skin health is through gentle cleansing. Throughout the day, our skin accumulates dirt, bacteria, sweat, and makeup residue, making regular cleansing important, particularly after exercise. Using products designed to support the skin barrier can also be beneficial. Ideally, cleansing products should have a weakly acidic pH to help maintain the skin's natural acidic mantle and support skin health. ⁸

Environmental exposures can also affect hair health. Factors such as humidity, temperature, and wind speed may alter hair texture and contribute to breakage. Additional internal and external influences include nutrition, UV radiation, pollution, swimming pool water, cosmetic treatments, and hairstyling practices, which can all impact hair health over time. ⁹

Similarly, nail health is influenced by a combination of internal and external factors. UV radiation as mentioned earlier, air pollution, nutritional status, and frequent use of cosmetic nail products can all affect the strength and appearance of our nails. 10
Bringing It All Together

Maintaining skin, hair, and nail health is not about perfection. It is about supporting your body through consistent, healthy habits. Protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure, nourishing your body with a diverse and nutrient-rich diet, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and minimising environmental stressors can all contribute to a healthier, more radiant appearance.

By paying attention to these often-overlooked factors, you can support not only your skin, hair, and nails, but also your overall health and wellbeing. Sometimes, getting your glow back starts with the simple choices you make every day.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

References

1. Knaggs, H., & Lephart, E. D. (2023). Enhancing Skin Anti-Aging through Healthy Lifestyle Factors. Cosmetics, 10(5), 142. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10050142
2. Guan, L. L., Lim, H. W., & Mohammad, T. F. (2021). Sunscreens and Photoaging: A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 22(6), 819–828. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00632-5
3. Oizumi, R., Sugimoto, Y., & Aibara, H. (2024). The Potential of Exercise on Lifestyle and Skin Function: Narrative Review. JMIR Dermatology, 7, e51962. https://doi.org/10.2196/51962
4. World Health Organisation. (2024). Radiation: Protecting against skin cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-protecting-against-skin-cancer
5. Cancer Council Australia. (n.d.). Sun protective clothing | Cancer Council Australia. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart/sun-protective-clothing  
6. Cao, C., Xiao, Z., Wu, Y., & Ge, C. (2020). Diet and Skin Aging-From the Perspective of Food Nutrition. Nutrients, 12(3), 870. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030870
7. Muddasani, S., Lin, G., Hooper, J., & Sloan, S. B. (2021). Nutrition and nail disease. Clinics in Dermatology, 39(5), 819–828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.05.009
8. Li, F., Li, S., & Xie, H. (2025). The Effects of Physical Activity on Skin Health: A Narrative Review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 18, 2189–2200. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S554263
9. Cedirian, S., Prudkin, L., Piraccini, B. M., Santamaria, J., Piquero-Casals, J., & Saceda-Corralo, D. (2024). The exposome impact on hair health: etiology, pathogenesis and clinical features ‒ Part I. Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia, 100(1), 131–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abd.2024.07.003
10. Prudkin, L., Cedirian, S., Santamaria, J., Jourdan, E., & Piraccini, B. M. (2024). Exposome Impact on Nail Health. Skin Appendage Disorders, 10(3), 186–198. https://doi.org/10.1159/000536573