Get Your Glow Back!

The physical appearance of our skin, hair and nails are known to be the tell signs of our internal state, however there are some inherent factors that are out of our control. In saying this, there are measures we can take to be proactive about maintaining our youthful appearance, namely external influences which play a major role in our ‘extrinsic’ aging process. This article discusses the three main factors that can be impacting your appearance, and what you can do to get your glow back!

1. Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure is a prominent cause of accelerated skin aging, known as ‘photoaging’. While the sun provides us with Vitamin D, over time, over exposure to sun can produce signs of aging.

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 helps protect the face and scalp from sunburn. If you find yourself outdoors during peak UV hours, such as during sporting activities or for outdoor work, try to participate in shaded areas.

2. Environmental Toxins

Environmental exposure that contributes to the condition of our skin, hair and nails include pollution, toxins, pollens, allergens, and climates of extreme weather conditions, and can be associated with accelerated aging. Various treatments for beauty maintenance can be used to our benefit!

To begin, cleansing is essential to remove makeup, toxins and pollutants we accumulate throughout the day. Using products to support the skin barrier is also a great help. Good hygiene practices to remove dirt, bacteria, sweat and oils are essential in scenarios such as after exercising. Regular hair washing with nourishing masks help to maintain scalp and follicle health, preventing brittle hair which is susceptible to absorbing toxins. Other important things to consider include sleeping on clean pillowcases, using clean phone screens, using disposable face masks or cleaned reusable masks, and also opting for non-toxic and fragrance free detergents for washing face towels and so on, to avoid reactive triggers. Wearing gloves can also shield against dry or windy weather.

 3. Lifestyle Choices

Last but not least, lifestyle choices. They have a major influence on our overall appearance and it’s no secret that a poorly balanced lifestyle can rapidly and dramatically affect the quality of our looks.

To cover the basics, prolonged stress raises cortisol levels and causes imbalances from a hormonal level. Sleep is essential for the body to repair and regenerate, so ensuring a minimum of 6-8 hours sleep each night is vital, along with the help of a sleep hygiene routine. Physical activity is beneficial to assist with stress management, encouraging lymphatic flow to help rid toxins and maintain a healthy weight range. Nutritional intake is often overlooked, however what we eat provides the materials that make up more than just our skin, hair and nails. Avoid processed foods, along with refined carbohydrates and sugars as they can form Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), which can be damaging to crucial proteins and collagens. To combat this, consume a healthy diet packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods, plus an ample supply of purified water to keep yourself hydrated! Furthermore, alcohol and smoking are harmful and can cause irreversible damage to our overall health, and the condition of our skin, hair and nail health are definitely no exception. If this is an issue, cessation strategies are recommended to preserve health and the vital nutrients essential to maintain healthy underlying structures of our skin, hair and nails such as collagen, elastin and keratin.

Having a good understanding of the importance of these extrinsic aging factors allows us to take a preventative approach to maintaining the appearance of healthy skin, hair and nails. Incorporating these suggested measures will set you on track to getting your glow back!