GET THE GLOW

We usually think about skin in terms of what we can put on top of it (like a juicy toner-serum-moisturizer sandwich). But just as important as curating the perfect skin care routine is thinking about your face in terms of skin health. As the largest organ of our bodies, skin is impacted by general health as much as our lungs, brain or heart.

“The human body generally functions in a synergistic and integrated fashion, and therefore imbalances can sometimes manifest in the skin,” says Dr. BeiBei Du-Harpur, a dermatologist and skin researcher based in London. Taking a holistic approach to your routine can go a long way toward clearing your complexion. To kick off the new year on a glowing note, here are five surprising facts that will help you practice healthier skin habits.