Common Causes of Unhealthy Skin

Common Causes of Unhealthy Skin

Taking Care of your Skin

The skin is the body's largest organ. As a result, it should be seen as essential in day-to-day care and total wellness just as the heart, liver and other vital organs are. The skin is incredibly resilient in its nature, and approximately every 30 days it completely regenerates. Because of this, the outer layer of skin will be gone within 7-10 days. Such insight suggests the skin is reliant on healthful living in order to function and to look its best.

Common Causes of Unhealthy Skin

Many people believe that unhealthy skin is unclean skin, but this isn’t necessarily the case. While it's always a good idea to keep the skin clean and cared for with quality, external skin care products, it is the health offered from the inside that will provide the best results in overall skin health.

The most common causes of unhealthy skin stem from chronic dehydration, poor nutrition and poor blood flow. Combined, these factors reduce the oxygen and nutrient delivery to the inner layers of the skin.

The Effect of Diet on Skin Health

The most common cause of unhealthy skin is a poor diet. Diets high in refined sugars, meats, processed grains and dairy will eventually lead to inefficient physiological function. Individuals who choose coffee, soda and alcoholic beverages over water are also doing a serious disservice to the overall health of their skin.

Diets built on the foundation of water consumption, and building up from that foundation with vegetables, fruits, essential proteins and limited animal proteins, will enjoy a wonderful starting point for healthy skin. Good diet leads to better performance throughout the body, including the digestive system, where the process of nutrient absorption begins.

Environmental Pollutants

The skin is subjected to harsh elements on a daily basis. Air pollutants, water pollutants, UV rays, excessive humidity, and lack of humidity, among others. In a nutshell, the skin is constantly under attack. The skin serves as a protective layer for so many other vital aspects of biology and physiology, but in itself, it is a living organ, and susceptible to the process of oxidation through free radical development. 

Lack of Exercise and Unhealthy Skin

Blood carries the body's healing agents—including antioxidants—to every working component of human physiology. With this in mind, it is important to note that exercise is the most efficient manner to deliver blood to the entirety of the body. As such, exercise as simple as a 30-minute walk a day will aid in better overall skin health.

Want to learn more about skin health? Read the next article in our Skin Health 101 section, Skin Care Tips.