Beyond Skincare: 5 Lifestyle Tips for Healthy, Glowing Skin

When it comes to achieving radiant, healthy skin, what you put on your face is only part of the equation. While skincare products play a key role, your lifestyle choices can have just as much - if not more - impact on your skin’s health. From nutrition to sleep and stress management, here are five science-backed habits that support your skin from the inside out.

1. Essential Fatty Acids for a Strong Skin Barrier

Your skin’s protective barrier is made up of lipids (fats), and essential fatty acids - especially omega-3s - are crucial for maintaining its integrity. If your diet lacks healthy fats, you may experience dryness, sensitivity, or even increased breakouts due to inflammation.

Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)

• Chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts

• Algal oil (a plant-based alternative to fish oil)

If you struggle to get enough omega-3s through food, a high-quality omega-3 supplement can help support skin hydration and reduce inflammation. Use my affiliate link for 10% off here!

2. Electrolytes for Hydration

Hydration is about more than just drinking water - your body needs electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium to properly absorb and retain fluids. When you're dehydrated, your skin can appear dull, dry, and more prone to fine lines.

To support optimal hydration:

• Add a pinch of sea salt or an electrolyte supplement to your water.

• Eat potassium-rich foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.

• Include magnesium-rich foods like almonds, dark chocolate, and avocado in your diet.

Balanced hydration supports skin plumpness and elasticity, keeping your complexion dewy and fresh. The electrolytes I take are LMNT raspberry salt as they don’t have added rubbish! Use my affiliate link for 10% off here!

3. Deep Sleep for Cellular Renewal

Beauty sleep is real! During deep sleep, your body enters a repair mode, producing collagen, reducing inflammation, and allowing your skin cells to renew. If you’re not getting enough deep sleep, your skin may become dull, inflamed, and prone to premature ageing.

To improve sleep quality:

• Establish a consistent sleep routine (aim for 7-9 hours per night).

• Avoid screens before bed to reduce blue light exposure.

• Support deep sleep with magnesium, herbal teas, or relaxation techniques.

Prioritising deep sleep means waking up not only feeling refreshed but also with healthier, more resilient skin.

4. Vagal Nerve Stimulation to Reduce Stress & Inflammation

Chronic stress triggers inflammation, which can worsen acne, rosacea, and eczema. One powerful way to combat stress is by stimulating your vagus nerve - a key part of your nervous system that regulates inflammation and relaxation.

Ways to activate your vagus nerve:

• Deep, slow breathing (try the 4-7-8 technique).

• Cold water therapy (splash your face with cold water or take a cold shower).

• Humming, singing, or gargling to activate the vagus nerve.

Lower stress levels mean lower inflammation - leading to clearer, calmer skin.

5. Exercise - Finding the Right Balance

Movement is essential for skin health because it improves oxygenation, circulation, and lymphatic drainage, helping to deliver nutrients to skin cells. However, too much intense exercise can increase cortisol (the stress hormone), which may trigger breakouts and inflammation.

The key is balance:

• Moderate exercise (like walking, yoga, strength training) supports skin and overall health.

• Overtraining without proper recovery can stress your body and impact your skin.

• Prioritise rest, recovery, and restorative activities like stretching and deep breathing.

A well-balanced fitness routine helps your skin glow from increased blood flow - without the negative effects of excess stress.

Skincare products can only do so much if your lifestyle isn't supporting your skin from within. By focusing on nutrition, hydration, sleep, stress reduction, and balanced movement, you can create the perfect environment for radiant, healthy skin.

Small, sustainable changes in these areas will not only benefit your complexion but also your overall well-being. Start incorporating these tips today and watch your skin thrive!