1. ALCOHOL-Alcohol is a toxin which deprives the body of its vitamin reserves, especially vitamin B and vitamin C which are necessary for healthy skin and also causes skin dehydration.

2. SMOKING-Smoking means Nicotine (a toxic substance). It interferes with cell respiration & slows down the circulation. This makes it more difficult for nutrients to reach the skin cells and for waste products to be eliminated which leads with a tendency towards open pores. It also releases a chemical that destroys vitamin C leads to premature ageing.

3. STRESS-The symptoms of stress are seen in many different forms, including insomnia, poor digestion, headaches, muscular tension which leads to skin disorders.

4. SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE-Lack of exercise results in poor blood and lymph circulation and poor muscle tone.

5. DIET-Our body needs a nutritionally balanced diet to achieve a healthy skin appearance. Antioxidant nutrients in the form of C, E and beta-carotene are beneficial in that they reinforce the effects of the skin.

6. HEALTH-Prolong medication or illnesses have adverse effects on the skin.

7. EXPOSURE – Unprotected exposure to the environment allows evaporation from the epidermis which results in a dry, dehydrated skin condition. Ultraviolet exposure causes premature ageing as the UV rays penetrate the dermis.

8. FREE RADICALS-Highly reactive molecules which can cause skin cells to degenerate.

9. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS-lead, mercury, aluminum can accumulate in the body where they attack protein in the cells.