Daily habits that support healthy skin

Healthy skin isn't about an expensive routine or the latest ingredient trend but it's about a handful of consistent, evidence-based habits that protect, hydrate and nourish the skin every day. Your skin is your body's largest organ, a thin layer that forms a waterproof barrier and helps protect it from the outside world.¹ Supporting these basic functions matters more than chasing a complicated regimen.

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Why daily habits matter more than products

‍A simple, gentle routine tends to serve your skin better than a complicated one.² Scrubbing too hard, for instance, can irritate the skin barrier and worsen conditions like acne, while sun protection is its own daily essential.²

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Habit #1: Protecting your skin from the sun

‍Sun exposure can cause visible skin ageing and can raise the risk ofskin cancer.³ For the best protection, Cancer Council Australia recommends acombination of five measures: water-resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, shade and sunglasses.⁴ Because Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, these stepsare worth building into your daily routine rather than reserving them forsummer.⁵

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Habit #2: Cleansing and moisturising gently

‍Daily cleansing can be rough on your skin if it's not done gently.³ Patting, rather than rubbing, skin dry afterwards helps retain moisture and applying a moisturiser suited to your skin type soon after washing helps lock that hydration in.³

It's also worth choosing a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturiser. Unscented doesn't always mean fragrance-free, it can just mean more added chemicals instead.⁶

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Habit #3: Staying hydrated from within

‍Drinking plenty of water is one of the simple habits for keeping skin hydrated.³ That said, dermatologists note the effect has limits, unless you're already under-hydrated, drinking extra water on top of a normal intake is unlikely to noticeably change your skin, since a moisturiser works more directly by reducing water loss through the skin's surface.⁷

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Habit #4: Eating in a way that supports your skin

‍A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein supports your skin and fresh produce in particular may help guard against the kind of damage linked to e arly skin ageing.³ Diet has also been linked to acne, with early research suggesting nutrients like fibre and omega-3 fats may help manage breakouts, though more studies are needed before that's confirmed.³ It’s worth paying attention to your diet if breakouts are a persistent concern.

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Habit #5: Prioritising sleep for skin repair

‍Your skin does much of its repair work while you sleep. A clinical trialfrom University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that poor-quality sleepers showed more visible signs of skin ageing and recovered more slowly from stressors like UV exposure and disruption to the skin barrier, compared with good sleepers.⁸

^‍If your sleep has been inconsistent, our guide to sleep hygiene habits is a useful place to start.

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Habit #6: Managing stress and avoiding smoking

‍Too much stress can make skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts andother skin conditions.³ Getting enough sleep, moving more during the day, trimming your to-do list, or simply making time for things you enjoy can help manage stress and support your skin alongside your overall wellbeing.³

Our piece on managing stress has more techniques if you'd like to go further.

Key takeaway

Healthy skin isn't the result of one product or a single habit but it's the sum of consistent choices. From daily sun protection, gentle cleansing, hydration, a balanced diet, quality sleep and lower stress.

If you have ongoing skin concerns that these habits don't resolve, it's worth speaking with a healthcare professional about what's right for your skin.

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References

1. Healthdirect Australia. Skin. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/skin
2. American Academy of Dermatology. 10 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skin. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/healthier-looking-skin
3. Mayo Clinic. Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237
4. Cancer Council Australia. Preventing skin cancer with sunscreen. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/preventing-skin-cancer-with-sunscreen
5. Cancer Council NSW. Preventing skin cancer. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/?p=3876
6. Mayo Clinic. Moisturizer tips from a dermatologist. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/multimedia/moisturizer-tips-from-a-dermatologist/vid-20434565
7. WebMD. Does Drinking Water Help Your Skin? https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/drink-water-skin
8. University Hospitals Case Medical Center. Sleep deprivation linked to aging skin, study suggests. ScienceDaily. https://sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130723155002.htm