If you have oily or combination skin, an AHA or salicylic acid cleanser or toner works best in the morning, followed by a vitamin C serum at night. Skin Enemies Smoking. This leads to reduced oxygen in the skin, which slows down the crucial collagen formation. Second, smoking interferes with the skin's natural defences against free radicals. When free radicals occur, skin breaks down.
Smoking also increases the risk of some skin cancers.
Some doctors advocate short-term psychotherapy to help alleviate skin symptoms exacerbated by stress. Stress can make many conditions worse, including acne, psoriasis and eczema. Stress also causes sweating, itching and hives. Sudden dietary changes. If you're not getting enough fatty acids, your skin can lose luster.