Over the last five years, our customers have reported drastic changes in their skin since using Urban Oreganics. Not only have our products helped treat acne, uneven skin tone, and eczema, but consistent use of our products can actually change your overall skin health.
If you’re still struggling to find a good balance, the issue might be something you’ve never even considered. Adopting some of these 10 habits may help you achieve healthier and better-looking skin.
1. EAT A WELL-BALANCED, NUTRITIOUS DIET
The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar industry dedicated to making you look your very best. How many anti-aging ads do you see each day? They all claim to reverse the signs of aging. Anything topical you apply is only going skin-deep. Seriously. True skin health starts at a much deeper, cellular level.
You are what you eat. What you choose to consume is just as important, if not more, than the products you choose to put on your skin. A clear complexion and healthy skin begin with eating a balanced diet. Your diet not only affects your mood and health, but it also affects your skin. Consider cutting out (or cutting way back on) foods that contain dairy, gluten, and sugar, as these often cause inflammation in the body which can lead to skin issues. Processed and fried foods are often linked to acne as they cause hormone disruptions. Check out our meal-prepping guide and our Pinterest board for healthy ideas!
2. DRINK ALL THE WATER (AND SOME GREEN TEA, TOO)
We all know that we're supposed to drink ~64 oz of water per day, but how many of us actually do it? Not only is this a good habit for your body, but one of the best ways to keep your skin looking healthy by moisturizing from the inside out. Sodas, juices, and alcohol all contain sugars that can disrupt hormones and cause blemishes and acne.
Adding some fresh fruit or a few drops of essential oil to your water is a fun way to enhance the flavor of your water to ensure you get the recommended amount. Or next time you're at Starbucks, order an iced unsweetened green tea instead of a sugar-filled latte. Green tea is filled with anti-oxidants which can help defend your body against harmful molecules.
3. INVEST IN NATURAL LAUNDRY SOAP
There are several skin irritants found in commercial laundry detergents, all of which can lead to dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), eczema, and even acne. Many ingredients found in commercial cleaners have been linked to endocrine dysfunction, which can lead to a hormone imbalance. By switching to an all-natural soap, with no artificial fragrances, you can ensure you’re not accidentally triggering any skin abnormalities.
Marleys Monsters stocks our all-natural Laundry Soap in their shop exclusively. Check it out here.
4. AVOID PUTTING YOUR PHONE TO YOUR FACE
Not only do our phones harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat (yuck!), but oils, dirt, and other nasty stuff just sits on the surface and can get right into our pores. Instead, spring for a pair of earbuds! They’re more freeing and will prevent your phone screen from touching your face.
5. REGULARLY WASH YOUR PILLOW CASES
For (hopefully) 8 hours a night, your face is smooshed into your pillow. So much oil, dirt, and bacteria are found on our pillowcases. By regularly washing your pillowcases and sheets, you will always have a fresh place to rest your face - and your skin will thank you. It can be easy to forget this new habit, so consider setting a recurring event or alarm on your phone for once a week.
But clean pillowcases only go so far. Throughout the day, your skin collects pollutants, dirt, oil, allergens, and makeup. Be sure to wash your face each night before laying down. We have multiple cleansers on our site, so you can find the perfect one for your skin type.
6. REGULARLY WASH YOUR COSMETIC BRUSHES
On that same note...when was the last time you cleaned your makeup or facial brushes? Although you should apply makeup to a clean face, there will still be some oil and bacteria transferred to your brushes each time you use them. Once there, bacteria will multiply, and then you’re just reapplying that back onto your face the next time. Our Brush Cleaner was formulated to thoroughly clean brushes easily and effectively. I like to wash my brushes every Sunday; set a recurring event or alarm on your phone every week until this becomes a habit.
If you’re not already using facial brushes to apply masks, cleansers, and creams, make the change now. When you use your fingers, all the dirt and oils from your fingers are being applied to your face along with the product. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, yikes!
7. REDUCE YOUR STRESS
By releasing some stress, you’re not only doing your body good but your skin good as well! Holding tension in your face creates fine lines and wrinkles over time. Do your body good by practicing small relaxation techniques, diffusing or applying topical essential oils, and practicing meditation or yoga.
Additionally, researchers have found that people who feel more stressed have more severe acne breakouts. This is because stress increases the body’s production of hormones, like cortisol, which can make your skin oilier and decrease its ability to fight off acne-causing bacteria. By reducing your stress, you’re reducing cortisol, which should limit your breakouts.
8. GET YOUR SLEEP ON
As a mother, and a small business owner, getting a full 7-9 hours of sleep each night can be difficult. By getting the recommended amount of sleep, you will be doing wonders for your complexion. Your skin (and your entire body) uses sleep to repair itself from all the environmental stressors (pollutants, UV rays) you encounter throughout the day. If you’re losing sleep, you’re losing this opportunity for healing. Additionally, without adequate sleep, your body is also unable to produce new collagen. Collagen is important in helping to prevent your skin from sagging. There’s a reason it’s called “beauty rest!”
9. WEAR SUNSCREEN, EVERY SINGLE DAY
While it’s often habit to apply sunscreen before an outdoor adventure, did you know you should be applying sunscreen daily anyway? The sun’s harmful UV rays don’t discriminate. They can get to you during your commute, running errands, or just sitting at home. You don’t have to be outside for long periods of time (at the park, the pool, etc.) to succumb to sun damage. Even just a little each day over the years will catch up to you. Over time, UV exposure leads to wrinkles, dark spots, and premature aging of your skin. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen regularly, especially on your face. Our best-selling Facial Cream can be purchased with SPF 20 sunscreen so your face is protected every day!
Oh, and hopefully this doesn't need to be said, but just in case... stay out of the tanning beds.
10. STOP SMOKING!
This one's a no brainer, right? Not only is smoking awful for your lungs, but it can also wreak havoc on your skin. Smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow, which prevents oxygen from reaching every cell in your body. Over time, this leads to premature aging of your skin in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of collagen (sagging), and can slow down wound healing. Scientists have also found that Nicotine affects your immune system, leading to skin inflammation, and can contribute to the development of psoriasis.
Now that you're armed with our 10 healthy tips, there's nothing standing in the way of having your best skin yet!
