The healthy skin guidebook
Skin needs to be cared for in order to stay healthy. Daily hygiene is essential to keep it clean, healthy and in optimum condition to perform its many functions in protecting your body.
By following a few simple guidelines and with a little care and attention, you should be able to enjoy all the benefits of healthy skin.
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Daily cleansing
First and foremost, skin needs to be clean to function properly. It needs to be free from dust, dirt, sweat, dead cells and any other residue that prevents it from breathing. However, washing too often with soap, for example, can leave it dry and irritated, while strongly-fragranced products can cause allergic reactions and severe irritation. That is why it is important to take care in selecting the personal hygiene products that are right for your skin type.
Whatever products you choose, they should be specially formulated to protect, moisturise and balance your skin’s pH. -
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!
Healthy skin is well moisturised skin. Your skin actively works to stay in balance using its own natural moisturising factors and by preventing too much water from evaporating.
You can help by regularly using hygiene products that reinforce the natural hydration of your skin. -
Lifestyle choices
Your skin reflects the overall health of your body. A healthy lifestyle therefore goes a long way to maintaining healthy skin. This means regular exercise to boost circulation and improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients; a balanced diet rich in for example vitamin A and Omega-6 fats; and drinking lots of water. It also means avoiding bad habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, as well as getting enough sleep and, as far as possible, limiting stress.
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Protect your skin
Protecting your skin from environmental factors will help prevent damage and dehydration. For example, you can protect it from the elements by wearing lip balm when skiing or wrapping up in cold winter weather. In summer, a sun tan looks great, but try to make sure you use sun protection and wear a sun hat in summer.
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Avoid external triggers
If you have sensitive skin, avoid known triggers. These could include wool or synthetic clothing, certain cleaning products or cosmetics, or could be dietary in nature, such as particular types of food.
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Consult your doctor
If your sensitive skin is affecting your quality of life, you should ask your dermatologist for advice.