Let's go a little deeper than hydration, sleep, and SPF...
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BY JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT Published September 6, 2024
When it comes to glowing skin we’ve all heard the same advice a million times—hydrate, get enough sleep, wear SPF, etc. but today we're talking about some little micro habits that can have a big impact on your skin. These tips can be an easy way to elevate your skin whether you're working on healing acne, aging gracefully, or just upping your game.
Gut Health, Food Allergies, & Diet
Gut health and skin are more connected than you might think. Professionals have mixed thoughts if food sensitivities contribute to acne and other skin conditions but when I discovered mine and eliminated them from my diet it was a complete game changer for my skin. On top of that your gut can work wonders for both your skin and overall health. Adding in probiotics like yogurt, pickles, and kimchi and health fats like avocado and salmon has been shown to drastically improve your mental health as well (bonus, hello glowing skin). What you're putting in your body is just as important as what you're putting on your skin.
Hydration & Alcohol Intake
If there's one piece of advice I give repeatedly, it's to drink 3 liters of water a day. It might sound basic, but it truly makes a difference. You might think, "Well, duh, everyone knows that" but trust me — when your skin starts looking grey and dull, it’s often not a new skincare product you need, but a good dose of water. Sometimes, going back to basics is the best solution because it works. In addition to staying hydrated take a peek at your alcohol intake. This was something I denied for years but it's hard to argue with inflamed skin after a night out. I'm not saying you have to cut it out completely but cutting back and decreasing the sugar content when you do drink is so helpful.
Supplements
This is where working with a specialist can really make a difference. Not all supplements are created equal, and finding the right ones can be key, especially if you're dealing with skin issues related to hormone health. Certain herbs and vitamins can work wonders for your skin’s appearance and overall health. For instance, vitamins A and zinc were game changers for me in reducing inflammation and healing my skin. Probiotics are also fantastic for revitalizing your gut, which in turn can boost your skin's glow. And of course my favorites that I never stop talking about Collagen, vitamin D, and Fish Oil. It's amazing how a simple routine can elevate your health and appearance. Which leads to my next tip beautifully, Magnesium Glycinate for getting some quality sleep.
Sleep Hygiene
Getting better sleep is the unsung hero of having better skin, no matter what you're trying to improve. I don't want to brag but I have a bit of a reputation for getting incredible sleep (it's one of my favorite things about myself) which has made me pretty particular about my sleep hygiene. Start by taking magnesium glycinate before bed; it's known to support better sleep quality and help you feel more rested. Make sure to change your sheets once a week to keep your sleeping environment fresh and clean. A silk pillowcase is another small change that can be kind to your skin and hair, reducing friction and helping to maintain a smooth complexion. And if you're dealing with skin issues, remember this: it always looks better in the morning. Prioritize these sleep habits and you will see exactly what I'm talking about.
Oral Health
One of the lesser known factors that can help improve your skin is your oral health. Studies have found there is an "intricate link between oral health and skin" which I attribute to two things. First, having good oral hygiene decreases overall inflammation in your body and your skin looks noticeably different when inflammation is present. My second thought is that when you are spending conscious time at night caring for your oral health you are most likely also taking the time to remove your makeup and do your skincare routine while you're there. Good habits in this realm can look like consistent flossing, brushing, tounge scraping (trust me you'll never go back once you start), and ditching the mouth wash for oil pulling which reduces bacteria and inflammation.
Gua Sha & Cold Therapy
A consistent gua sha routine and cold therapy are things I wish I did more often but I really just get into them when I need a little boost. If you stick to a gua sha routine for a week it does wonders for sculpting your face and lifting the skin. Cold therapy can be done many ways but my favorite is rolling my under eyes with a cooled jade roller or dunking your face 20 times in a bowl of ice water (that sounds a little aggressive but it really helps flush out inflammation and bonus it can curb a hangover).
Skin Care & Makeup Routines
One habit that made a huge difference for me while healing my acne was starting to only wash my face once a day, at night after removing my makeup. Washing it in the morning was too much for my sensitive acne prone skin and might be something to try if you have a similar skin type. During my night time skin care routine I also like to double cleanse which is much gentler on your skin than makeup wipes and involves first washing your face with an oil or hydrating cleanser to remove the makeup before washing with your normal face wash.
Daily sunscreen use is one of those things we hear over and over again... but for a reason. If you haven't found a daily use face sunscreen that you love now's the time. Not only does it help protect your skin from aging prematurely but it also keeps acne scars from darkening any more. My absolute favorites are the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen and the Elta MD Clear which are both cult classics for a reason.
And lastly, the makeup you are applying. Make sure if you're changing up your makeup routine you do it one product at a time which will allow you some time to see exactly how your skin reacts, your skin will typically let you know right away if a product is a good fit. I find there are certain products I can skimp on and those that I have to go higher end. I love a dupe for a good lip, brow, or lash product but unfortunately my skin has expensive taste in foundation. I always come back to the Estee Lauder Double Wear, you just have to find what works with your skin type (side note if your skin will tolerate it the L'Oreal Paris Infallible foundation is a great dupe for the Double Wear). My last note on makeup is to be sure you are washing your brushes. We hear it all the time but I'm willing to bet none of us do it enough, in fact we should both just do it right now. This is my simple but effective way I keep all those brushes clean;
Self Perception
Now it wouldn't be one of my articles if I didn't dip into the subconscious side of things. It's been proven again and again that plants grow outrageously better when you speak kindly to them. If a plant is capable of that, why wouldn't that apply to us as well? A huge mindset shift happens when you stop thinking of yourself with skin issues and start focusing on gratitude. Whether this takes place while looking in the mirror doing affirmations or written down in a journal take the time to be grateful for the aspects you do like and create some positive affirmations around the areas you'd like to improve;
my skin radiates health and vitality
I nourish my skin with love and care
every day my skin becomes more vibrant
I'm grateful for my natural beauty
My skin is a reflection of the love and care I give myself
I trust my body's ability to heal my skin
Embracing these micro habits can truly transform your skin, revealing a glow that radiates from within. It’s not just about the usual advice; it’s the little tweaks— like improving gut health, refining your sleep routine, and paying attention to oral care— that can make a big impact. These subtle yet powerful changes, combined with a thoughtful approach to supplements and skincare, create a holistic beauty routine that nurtures and revitalizes your skin. Consistency is the key here so start integrating these habits into your daily life and watch as your skin flourishes.
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