Hi my beauties,
Let’s have a real conversation—I want to challenge you to think beyond products and in-office procedures and start paying attention to the everyday habits that may be fast-tracking the aging of your skin. This is about more than fine lines or pigmentation. This is about preserving the integrity of your skin for life.
These lifestyle habits are subtle but powerful, and when you know better, you do better. So let’s break them down—and if you want a full deep dive, make sure to watch the full video on YouTube for the complete science and real-life advice.
1. The #1 Skin Aging Culprit: Sun Exposure
You guessed it—UV damage is the fastest way to break down collagen, accelerate wrinkles, and compromise skin health. I’ve spent my whole life on the beach—surfing, playing beach volleyball, watching my kids compete in surf contests—but I’ve also been religious about photo protection.
Daily sunscreen is a must. Not just on sunny days—every single day. Back of hands, chest, neck—yes, even in winter.
And while you’re protecting, don’t forget to reverse. Laser resurfacing treatments not only rejuvenate the skin, but they’ve also been shown to decrease precancerous lesions by 50%.
If you’re not doing lasers for beauty, do them for your health.
2. Your Diet Could Be Breaking Down Your Collagen
Let’s talk glycation—a sneaky process where sugar molecules bind to collagen fibers and accelerate their breakdown. High-glycemic foods and processed sugars are silent saboteurs of your skin’s structure.
To support long-term skin health:
Stick to a low-glycemic index diet
Prioritize leafy greens and antioxidant-rich fruits
Avoid inflammatory foods like excessive dairy and gluten if you’re prone to conditions like acne or psoriasis
3. Skipping Workouts? Your Skin Notices
Exercise isn’t just for abs—it’s for your epidermis. Regular workouts:
- Improve circulation
- Detoxify skin
- Deliver nutrients and oxygen to skin cells
- Lower cortisol (a major contributor to collagen breakdown)
- Strength training also supports muscle tone, which helps with facial structure and overall glow.
4. Over-Exfoliation = Skin Barrier Breakdown
Exfoliating is important—but more is not more. Overdoing it with harsh scrubs or acids can strip your skin’s barrier, leading to dryness, inflammation, and sensitivity.
I recommend gentle, fragrance-free exfoliants like MDAiRE Cloud Polish—safe enough for regular use without damaging your skin.
5. Alcohol: The Ultimate Skin Dehydrator
I know… no one wants to hear this. But alcohol:
Dehydrates your skin
Disrupts sleep
Increases inflammation
Breaks down collagen and elastin
If you do drink, balance it with lots of water, choose lower-sugar drinks, and consider skin-friendly non-alcoholic options (I love functional beverages with electrolytes or probiotics).
6. Not Prioritizing Sleep? You're Aging Faster
Good sleep isn’t optional—it’s essential. While you sleep, your body produces growth hormone and telomerase, an enzyme that helps slow aging on a cellular level. Just one night of poor sleep can visibly age your skin.
Sleep tips I love:
- Stick to a bedtime routine
- Ditch screens an hour before bed
- Try chamomile tea, aromatherapy, or light stretching
- Use tools like an Aura ring to track your sleep cycles
7. Smoking or Vaping? Please Stop
Nothing destroys your skin faster. Smoking and vaping rapidly break down collagen, accelerate wrinkles, and dull your complexion. It’s not worth it—not for your skin or your overall health.
Healthy Skin Is a Lifestyle
Here’s the truth: great skin isn’t about chasing trends or spending hours on a 10-step routine. It’s about the daily choices—from what you eat, how you sleep, how you move, and yes, how you protect your skin.
