It has always been a well- known fact that exercise improves your physical and mental health. However, the effects of exercise on your skin are just as important. Exercise increases circulation and blood flow in the body which can keep you looking youthful. Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to your organs, and it just so happens that your skin is the largest organ in your body. While your blood is taking all that good stuff to your skin cells, it is also taking away all the waste and harmful debris like free radicals can cause cell damage and promote aging. A study by NCBI contrasts the results of individuals in an active lifestyle with those that live a sedentary lifestyle. Results showed that exercising can reduce skin aging in humans and improve tissue mitochondria that generate most of a cell’s Adenosine Triphosphate. This means that your cells have more

Your skin is probably the first thing that you notice about yourself when you look in the mirror. Whether we like it or not, there is a deep connection between self esteem and the skin. For many years, I have witnessed patients suffer both emotionally and physically from skin diseases. For example, patients who had psoriasis were asked to give up their health club memberships because of complaints. Teenage girls with acne suffering ridicule and rude remarks by the public as they tried to work waitress jobs. Our skin is certainly not the deciding factor in happiness and success. There are many who excel in school and jobs with skin conditions. But, many studies, such as The Impact of Pediatric Skin Disease on Self Esteem by Vivar and Kruse, underscore the fact that conditions such as acne have a negative impact on emotional well-being. Another article on acne in 12-25

In 2001, I read The Wrinkle Cure by a fellow dermatologist Nicholas Perricone MD. His idea of lowering inflammation in the skin and body to fight aging and disease was revolutionary. Still today, science supports the idea that beautiful skin begins at the grocery story. The anti- inflammatory diet is made up of super foods, antioxidants, and foods that lower inflammation. The most important ingredients are the antioxidants from fresh vegetables and fruit and the amino acid building blocks from protein. Protein is necessary to maintain and repair the body on a cellular level. Salmon and other cold water fish such as sardines, herring and trout are rich in anti inflammatory omega 3 essential fatty acids which keep the skin radiant and supple. Wild salmon has astaxanthin, a super carotenoid antioxidant as well. Olives and olive oils are a good source of fat in our diet. Extra virgin olive oil

It turns out that beauty sleep is not a myth. Science shows that sleep is very important for the health and appearance of your skin. During the first three hours of sleep, growth hormone is secreted which helps skin cells repair damage from ultraviolet rays, stimulates collagen formation, and decreases the breakdown of protein. Growth hormone works at night to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Melatonin is a hormone that is increased during sleep as well. Melatonin is often referred to as the sleepy hormone because it helps induce sleep. However, it also acts as an antioxidant which helps protect the skin from damaging free radicals. Research shows that antioxidants could help with dark spots, fine lines and even skin cancer formation. During the final hours of sleep, active REM sleep occurs and levels of cortisol ( the stress hormone ) decrease. During the night, old skin cells on