Habits for Healthy, Glowing Skin

There’s nothing quite like a good skin day. Healthy, hydrated skin helps us feel on top of the world, adding a boost to our confidence. If you’re looking to support your skin health regularly, a few habits can go a long way. 

Here are some of our favorite tips for bringing out your natural glow:
 

1. Keep Your Stress In Check 
While you may have expected us to lead with a favorite skincare product or a recommendation to incorporate celery juice into your routine, the truth is that our skin health is often a sign of our overall health. If you’re navigating a period of stress, that’s likely to manifest in inflammation or acne, as your glands actually produce more oil under stress. Stress can also impact pre-existing skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, causing more flare-ups. And though it’s the last thing any of us want to hear during a difficult time, prolonged stress can accelerate aging, as stress hormones break down collagen and elasticity in the skin. 

Stress is a natural part of life, and something we will all experience in waves throughout our lives. Regularly practicing meditation or breathwork, or incorporating natural stress-relief supplements into your routine can help you minimize stress and keep your skin as healthy as can be. 
 

2. Don’t Skimp on Sleep 
At Standard Dose, we’re big proponents of making sleep a priority, and for good reason. That’s because getting enough sleep impacts everything: from our energy to our mood to our stress levels and, yes, even our skin health. 

Similar to stress, a lack of sleep can affect the production of collagen, breaking down the barrier function of your skin. This can lead to more dark circles and fine lines, as well as a duller complexion. 

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night (the amount recommended by the National Sleep Foundation). Establishing a wind-down routine can make falling asleep much easier, as you’ll signal to your body that it’s time to rest.
 

3. Invest in a Water Filter 
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if tap water is a part of your skincare routine, your skin may be interacting with a ton of chemicals and contaminants. From chlorine to heavy metals, microplastics, mud, and rust, tap water is often far from the pure, clean water we wish it would be. And if you have hard water at home, the mineral residue can strip moisture from the skin, and accelerate signs of aging.

Invest in a high-quality water filter that you can attach to your bathroom sink, like this one from Filterbaby. It’s dermatologist-tested and made for skincare, filtering your water so it’s pure and refreshing for your skin. 
 

4. Use a Gua Sha 
If you’re looking to reduce tension and inflammation in the skin, the practice of gua sha can really help. An ancient Chinese method of purification, gua sha involves releasing toxins and imbalances from the body, and can stimulate blood flow, support lymphatic drainage, and break down tension in the face and neck. Consistent practice sculpts the face to reduce facial lines, lift and firm skin, and promote a smoother complexion.
 

5. Remember Your Sunscreen
One of the most important habits you can do for healthy skin? Applying SPF daily. Exposure to UV rays can speed up the aging process, leading to wrinkles, discoloration, age spots, and even skin cancer. 

For tips on understanding sunscreen, choosing the right one for you, and applying correctly, read our helpful article From UVA to SPF: Understanding Sunscreen.
 

6. Make Time for Movement
From a walk to strength training, yoga, or pilates, consistent movement impacts your skin health. This is because exercise boosts blood flow, which helps deliver nutrients to your skin cells, and promotes a healthier complexion. You may notice your skin looking glowy and less inflamed when you prioritize movement as a part of your regular routine. 
 

7. Choose Clean, Effective Products 
Even the most elaborate skincare routine out there does more harm than good if the products are packed full of harmful or unnecessary ingredients. Choose products that are made thoughtfully with clean ingredients, and without silicones, sulfates, and parabens. We outline five common ingredients to avoid here, and everything we carry at Standard Dose meets exceptional standards for safety and efficacy. 

Give these tips a try? Let us know how your skincare journey is going over on Instagram or Threads @StandardDose.