Our skin is the largest organ in the body, and it plays a crucial role in protecting us from the environment, regulating body temperature, and communicating sensory information. As such, taking care of our skin is essential to maintain its health and appearance. While there are many well-known ways to keep our skin healthy, some less commonly known ways can have a significant impact. 

In this post, we'll cover both common and less known ways to keep your skin healthy and radiant, as well as some facial exercises to help tone and firm your skin.

Common Ways to Damage Your Skin

Sun exposure

Sun exposure is one of the most common ways to damage your skin, as it can cause premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. The UV radiation in sunlight can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging. To protect your skin from the sun, wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear protective clothing, and avoid being in direct sunlight during peak hours (10am-2pm).

Smoking

Smoking is another common way to damage your skin. It causes a decrease in blood flow to the skin, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and a dull complexion. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin, two proteins that give skin its strength and elasticity. Quitting smoking can help improve your skin's appearance and overall health.

Poor diet

Your skin needs certain nutrients to stay healthy, such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. A poor diet lacking in these nutrients can lead to dry, dull, and unhealthy-looking skin. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats into your diet can help improve your skin's appearance and overall health.

Lack of sleep

Not getting enough sleep can lead to dark circles, puffiness, and a dull complexion. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates skin cells, so getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

Not drinking enough water

Your skin needs water to stay hydrated and healthy. Not drinking enough water can lead to dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Aim to drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Using harsh skincare products

Skincare products that contain harsh chemicals, such as alcohol or sulfates, can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. This can lead to dryness, redness, and even breakouts. It's important to choose gentle, non-irritating products that are appropriate for your skin type.

Stress

Chronic stress can cause inflammation, breakouts, and premature aging. It's important to manage stress through techniques such as exercise, meditation, and self-care to help protect your skin.

Less Known Ways to Damage Your Skin

In addition to these common ways to damage your skin, there are also some less well-known ways that can have a significant impact. 

Over-exfoliating

Exfoliating the skin is important to remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal, but over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, dryness, and even micro-tears in the skin. It is recommended to exfoliate no more than 2-3 times a week.

Using hot water

Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness and irritation. It is better to use lukewarm water when washing your face.

Sleeping with your face on the pillow

When you sleep on your stomach or side, your face is pressed against the pillow, which can cause friction and lead to wrinkles over time. It's recommended to sleep on your back or use a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction.

Using dirty makeup brushes

Makeup brushes can accumulate bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells over time, which can transfer onto your skin and cause breakouts. It's important to clean your makeup brushes regularly, ideally after each use, to avoid these problems.

Using too much skincare products

Using too many skincare products or layering them incorrectly can cause irritation, clog pores, and even cancel out their effects. It's important to follow a consistent routine and use only the products you need for your skin type and concerns.

Ignoring your neck and chest

The neck and chest area are often neglected when it comes to skincare, but they are just as susceptible to sun damage and aging as the face. It's important to extend your skincare routine to these areas and apply sunscreen daily.

Using electronic devices too much

Blue light emitted by electronic devices such as phones, laptops, and tablets can penetrate the skin and cause premature aging. It's important to limit your screen time and use protective measures such as blue light-blocking screen filters or glasses.

Drinking through a straw

Repeatedly pursing your lips to drink through a straw can cause fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. It's better to drink directly from a cup or glass.

Neglecting your hands

The skin on our hands is exposed to the elements and can become dry, cracked, and age quickly. It's important to moisturize your hands regularly, wear gloves when doing household chores, and apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands.

Using harsh laundry detergents

Laundry detergents that contain fragrances or other irritants can cause skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Choosing a gentle, fragrance-free laundry detergent and avoiding fabric softeners is recommended.

Facial Exercises to Maintain Healthy Skin

Facial exercises, or facial yoga, can help tone and firm your facial muscles, promote circulation, and promote relaxation.

The Cheek Lifter

Open your mouth to form an "O" shape and smile widely while keeping your lips in this position. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Brow Lift

Place your fingers just above your eyebrows and gently pull your skin upwards. While holding your skin in place, raise your eyebrows as high as possible. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Tongue Stretch

Stick out your tongue as far as possible and try to touch your chin with it. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Jaw Release

Place your hand on your chin and press down gently. While holding your hand in place, open your mouth as wide as possible and move your jaw up and down in a chewing motion. Repeat 10 times.

The Neck Lift

Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling. Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth and swallow. Repeat 10 times.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating these tips into your skincare routine can help maintain healthy, radiant skin. Remember to stay hydrated, protect your skin from sun damage, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, as these factors also play a critical role in skin health. 

By being mindful of both common and less known ways to maintain healthy skin, you can achieve a glowing complexion and feel confident in your skin. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your skin looking its best for years to come.