Good-looking, healthy skin is no longer the sole domain of women. Modern men have become more self-aware about their physical health and appearance than ever before. Like their female counterparts, more men are getting into positions in executive management where appearance may determine the next business deal.
Plus, with the risk of lifestyle diseases and chronic disorders at an all-time high globally, practicing healthy habits has become an important part of life for everyone across the board.
Skin health is one of those areas that receive a lot of attention from women but not enough from men. Here’s a look at some of the most common habits that are working against the good health of your skin.
1. Smoking
Smoking is responsible for many health problems, including multiple types of cancer, yellow fingers, and psoriasis. Smokers are also up to three times more likely to develop skin cancer than non-smokers, which is only one of the many negative effects of cigarettes on skin health. Tobacco smoking has also been associated with stretch marks, scarring, wrinkles, premature aging, and those saggy bags that form under your eyes due to nicotine-fuelled sleep problems.
2. Poor shaving habits
Shaving is a part of regular daily schedules for many men. However, it’s also one of those daily routines that can quickly destroy your skin. Using the wrong shaving tools like blades and shaving cream can leave your face with bumps and bruises that end up causing problems for your skin.
To ensure your skin stays smooth after each shave, use a shaving brush instead of your fingers when applying shaving cream. Always shave after showering or use a hot washcloth before shaving to prepare your skin. The right shaving tools will ensure your skin stays smooth and healthy with fewer ingrown hairs and razor burn.
3. Not taking enough fluids
Water makes up over a third of your body mass, which makes it an important part of the normal functioning of your body cells. Water helps in the circulation of nutrients within the layers of the skin and also helps to flush out toxins from your skin cells, giving it a smooth and radiant glow.
Water is also an efficient anti-wrinkle agent that helps plump up skin cells for younger-looking skin. Fluids such as coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages can also help you fight skin cancer.
4. Poor dietary habits
Eating sugary foods is one of the quickest ways to destroy otherwise healthy skin. Sugar contributes to the breakdown of elastin and collagen, two important elements that are responsible for keeping the skin elastic and full.
When you eat a healthy, balanced diet, you’re literally equipping your body with the necessary tools to strengthen cells and tissue within the body, including skin tissue. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and the right type and quantity of proteins and carbohydrates gives skin tissue the arsenal it needs to grow and carry out repairs whenever there is damage.
5. Not getting enough sleep
Every year, the number of adults getting at least 7 hours of sleep decreases. This fact continues to create problems for health care systems across the globe. The body uses sleep to carry out repairs on tissues at the cellular level, including the skin. So, when you don’t get enough sleep, your body’s internal repair mechanism does not work as it should, resulting in wrinkly, puffy, and saggy skin.
6. Scratching and popping pimples
Many of us are guilty of poking and popping those annoying little pimples that seem to come out of nowhere. Others usually find themselves scratching incessantly at otherwise healthy skin – sometimes for no reason. In some of these cases, scratching may usually be the result of an insect bite, a rash, stress, or a reaction to medication.
If you find yourself scratching or popping pimples very often, you should make an appointment with your dermatologist to rule out any underlying conditions.
Conclusion
Naturally, your skin is the first thing someone sees when they look at you. People are naturally hardwired to make judgments about your personality and background based on your appearance, and more specifically, the health of your skin. Plus, taking care of your skin means you’re less likely to develop skin-related health conditions such as skin cancer and premature aging.
Therefore, it always pays to take good care of your skin.
