5 Healthy Lifestyle Habits that Benefit Your Skin

Your skin does a lot to protect you. What are you doing to protect it?

Making some small but consistent changes to your routine can go a low way toward supporting healthy, younger-looking skin. Dr. Norman J. Pastorek, Janice Pastorek, BSN, RN, and our team have seen the difference that comes from skin-supporting lifestyle habits, so we wanted to highlight them for you today. Specifically, we’re putting the spotlight on five things anyone can do to lower their risk of premature aging, skin cancer, and other skin woes.

These are general tips. For more personalized skin health guidance, including a tailored skincare regimen, visit us at our Norman J. Pastorek, MD, PC, FACS offices on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in New York City or in Madison, Connecticut. 

1. Be serious about sunscreen

Make it a part of your morning routine to put on sunscreen. If you’re going to be outside for a while, reapply. Better yet, wear a wide hat to offer your face some shade.

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damage the cells of your skin. They contribute to everything from wrinkles to dark spots to skin cancer. You need to consistently apply sunscreen to keep your skin as healthy and youthful-looking as possible.

If you really love the way your skin looks when it’s tan, we’ve got great news. Self-tanners have come a long way. Today, a wide range of options exists to give you that sun-kissed glow without exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful rays.

2. Don’t skimp on skincare

A good skincare routine gives your skin the resources it needs to function at its best. It also gives you a way to address any skin issues you’re already up against, from sun damage to acne to dry skin.

You don’t have to guess at the right skincare products. Our team tailors a regimen to each patient based on a detailed evaluation of their skin. For support building an at-home routine that supports your skin, come visit us.  

3. Manage stress

Stress can have far-reaching effects on your skin, from acne and accelerated aging to the development of conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Addressing excess stress you feel proactively protects your skin.

4. Be gentle with your skin

If you’ve learned about exfoliants, you know that they work to remove the older, more damaged skin cells from your skin’s surface. That reveals the newer, less blemished cells underneath.

Following that logic, you might think it’s a good idea to scrub your skin to try to get to that healthier layer underneath. Don’t. Too much exfoliation can damage your skin, contributing to redness and breakouts. Follow the instructions on any skincare products you use, and apply them gently.

5. Skip smoking

Cigarettes take a serious toll on your skin. When you smoke, you increase your risk for premature skin aging. In fact, a smoker in their 40s often has about as many wrinkles as a nonsmoker in their 60s. 

While these general tips can help everyone enjoy healthier skin, they’re just that: general. For more personalized recommendations, visit our team. Call either of our offices or book your appointment online today.