There are lots of environmental stressors that can affect skin health, and habits that can help or hurt us. And there is more to skin health than skin care tips and recommendations for the best anti-aging products (although we love both of those).

Everyone wants fresh, firm, glowing skin. To get it, we need to treat it from the inside and the outside.

Causes of skin damage

It might be easier to list things that don’t damage our skin! Air pollution, poor diet, smoking, alcohol, stress, lack of exercise, bad sleep habits, blue light from screens… and of course, the dreaded sun damage.

Studies show that even people who wear sunscreen when outdoors aren’t totally safe – from not applying enough, using expired products, or not realising that their sunscreen of choice isn’t protecting them from all types of harmful light: UVA, UVB, invisible light and infrared-A.

Even when we try to do what’s best for our skin, we can end up causing problems. Over-exfoliation, excessive heat and harsh products can irritate and dry out our skin.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. It might seem daunting, but with a little knowledge and planning, keeping your skin healthy can be easy and enjoyable.

How you can fight back

The most important tip for skin health is that prevention is better than a cure. Take care of your skin now and you won’t need to worry about trying to reverse the damage later on.

This is especially true for sun damage! You can’t always guarantee how much sleep you’ll get, but keeping your skin safe from the sun is within everyone’s reach. And with skin cancer on the rise in the UK, it has never been more important.

Stay covered up, avoid the sun as much as possible in the middle of the day (when UV rays are strongest), and use a topical SPF daily. You can also consider oral supplements for an extra level of protection from the sun.

If you notice any unusual changes to your skin, visit a dermatologist. They’ll be able to check out any concerns and advise you on the best course of action.

The other thing to remember is that taking care of your overall health will also have positive benefits for your skin. Exercise can help clear your pores, decrease stress and boost your immune system, all of which will help keep your skin healthy. Staying hydrated and eating foods rich in omega-3s and anti-oxidants will improve your skin from the inside out – think healthy fats like nuts and avocados, fruits and dark leafy greens.

Look for anti-oxidants in your skin care products as well – applied topically, these super nutrients can combat damage from the environment and keep skin looking fresh and firm.

The Heliocare range combines powerful sun protection with skin-loving anti-oxidants to prevent sun damage and support healthy skin function. And with all the different formulations, it’s easy to find one perfect for your skin type and lifestyle.

Consider professional treatments

For those ready to take it a step further, regular professional treatments can help maintain skin health and give you that sought-after glowy look. Dermarolling or microneedling sessions kickstart the healing process in your skin and can stimulate collagen and elastin production. They also create tiny channels in the skin to allow serums to penetrate the skin more deeply.

Chemical peels are another treatment to consider. By allowing dead skin cells at the surface of your skin to break away, they can reduce sun damage, soften scars and wrinkles, and give you a brighter complexion and smoother skin.

Maintaining good skin health doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with small steps and feel good knowing that any positive changes you make for your health will benefit your body, your mind – and your skin.