November is National Healthy Skin Month - an annual awareness event designed to help educate us on the true meaning of healthy skin, and how we can achieve it. Healthy skin doesn’t just mean a clear or youthful-looking complexion... healthy skin is skin that functions well, stays hydrated and is resilient against environmental stressors. Keep reading to learn more about how you can support healthy skin with lifestyle habits, at-home skincare and professional treatments at EWA.
Healthy skin is well-nourished, hydrated, smooth and even in tone... it doesn't just look good... it’s resilient, bounces back from damage and protects against environmental stressors; functioning optimally from a cellular level. The health of your skin can be influenced by many factors; including your genetics, lifestyle, diet and how you care for it day to day.
Your daily habits can play a huge role in both the health and appearance of your complexion. Here's a few pointers to consider:
Don't Underestimate the Importance of Sleep
Try to aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep a night... as not only will you feel better for this, it's also a big factor in skin health; as your skin regenerates and repairs itself while we snooze. Poor sleep disrupts the regeneration process, which can lead to dullness, puffiness and fine lines. Try to establish a consistent sleep routine, practice good sleep hygiene (e.g. limiting screen time before bed) and use a silk pillowcase to prevent skin creases.
Nutrition and Diet
You are what you eat... an age-old saying, but what you eat can really show on your skin. Incorporating nutrient-dense foods (think: leafy greens, berries and nuts) provides your complexion with antioxidants that protect against free radicals... and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and chia seeds) support your skin’s natural lipid barrier, which helps retain moisture and maintain suppleness. Sugar and processed foods, on the other hand, can contribute to inflammation... which accelerates signs of ageing. Moderation is key!
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause your skin to look dry, tight and flaky, making fine lines more visible. The easiest way to avoid this is loading up on your H2O - aim to drink around 8 cups of water daily to support your skin’s elasticity, reduce puffiness and promote a fresher, more radiant appearance.
Supplements for Skin Health
Supplements can help fill nutritional gaps in your diet and optimise your skin - from a cellular level. I love Hinnao's range (I swear by their Vitamin D drops) and Nuchido's NAD+ supplements - as well as Totally Derma. A few ingredients to consider in your supplements include:
Why not book a consultation at EWA to discuss your skin, diet and lifestyle - after which we can devise a bespoke skincare plan and recommend supplements to assist you in your skincare goals? You can also check out some of my supplement and skincare picks via W-Wellness.
The skincare products you use can also help in your quest to healthier skin. Focusing on high-quality ingredients that address your individual skin concerns and maintaining a simple, consistent routine can yield noticeable results (and if you're not sure where to start with your skincare routine, or feel yours needs an overhaul, we can devise a bespoke skincare routine shipped directly to your door via my GetHarley service, too!)
Keep it Clean
Cleansing is essential to remove dirt, oil and makeup to prevent clogged pores and breakouts... but harsh cleansers can strip natural oils and damage the skin barrier. Look for gentle, sulphate-free cleansers to leave your skin feeling refreshed but not tight.
Moisturise
Hydrated skin is healthy skin. A good moisturiser keeps your skin hydrated and supports your skin barrier. I'd recommend picking out a moisturiser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and / or squalane, which work well for most skin types and lock in moisture whilst protecting your skin barrier
SPF. Daily. All Year Round
Daily sunscreen use is one of the best ways to prevent signs of premature ageing... not to mention skin cancer. I always recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 50 to protect your complexion from UV damage, and to prevent hyperpigmentation and fine lines developing
Active Ingredients
A few great ingredients to look out for in your at-home skincare include:
While lifestyle changes and at-home skincare form the foundation of your skin's health, in-clinic treatments can further enhance its health by stimulating collagen, addressing specific concerns and rejuvenating the skin from within.
Polynucleotides
It's no secret that I love polynucleotides. These cutting-edge injectables are redefining what's possible in regenerative aesthetics; working to repair and rejuvenate your skin from deep within. These naturally occurring molecules encourage cellular repair and hydration; improving elasticity, collagen production, skin tone and texture. They're essentially making your skin work harder; boosting its appearance naturally without injecting volume (like dermal filler.)
Microneedling with Exosomes
Microneedling alone is an absolute powerhouse of a treatment - it's fantastic in stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture... but combining it with exosomes supercharges your results. Exosomes, derived from stem cells, contain growth factors and signalling proteins that support cellular repair and regeneration. Applied after microneedling, exosomes penetrate the skin, helping improve skin tone, texture, and firmness; whilst also accelerating recovery.
Sofwave for Collagen Stimulation, Skin Tightening and Lifting
Sofwave is an advanced ultrasound technology that targets the mid-dermis layers of your to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This treatment is fantastic at lifting drooping brows, sagging eyelids and tightening the neck and jawline... with 7 FDA approvals and counting! Sofwave is non-invasive, needle-free and super effective for creating a more lifted, contoured look with no downtime. It's one of the newest treatments on the menu at EWA, thanks to my collaboration with Self London.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels provide controlled exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. These treatments are excellent for evening skin tone, reducing fine lines and diminishing acne scars. A series of gentle peels can gradually improve skin’s appearance and keep it looking fresh and rejuvenated. I love the Perfect Peel at EWA.
National Healthy Skin Month is a reminder to take a closer look at our skincare habits, routines and overall skin health. Whether you’re new to skincare and aesthetics or looking to elevate your current routine, creating a well-rounded plan can help optimise the appearance and health of your skin. Emma Wedgwood Aesthetics offers comprehensive consultations to help you build a personalised skin health plan; integrating lifestyle, skincare and in-clinic treatments tailored to your unique goals. Get in touch to find out more!
Healthy skin is achievable at any age - and with the right mix of lifestyle, at-home care and advanced treatments, you’ll be well on your way to your healthiest, most radiant skin yet.