Skincare for all seasons

There are many articles and blog posts written on the different product-brands when it comes to looking after our skin.  I am not going to go into detail about it.  What I would like to write about is how to take care of your skin from the inside.

There are different types of skins: sensitive, oily, dry and combination.

A sensitive skin is a skin that doesn’t tan easily, and often breaks out in a rash / allergic reaction if using products that have too many chemicals in.

An oily skin often occurs during puberty, adolescence and teenage years, when the skin is excreting too much oil and breakouts occur.  However, adults can also suffer from an oily skin and get “adult acne.”

A dry skin struggles when it is dry and/or winter (especially when the person is living where the winters are not humid).  The first places to take a knock, so to speak, are the lips, elbows hands and heels. 

A combination skin is often partly dry or normal, and partly oily.  The latter is the area of the forehead, nose and chin. 

For a balanced, healthy skin, a balance between oil and moisture is crucial.  The oil is secreted by the sebaceous glands, which lubricates the skin’s surface.  The moisture is the water present inside the skin cells.  This comes to the cells via the bloodstream and it is the water that keeps the skin plumped-up, healthy and youthful-looking.  It is interesting to note that there are 2 types of dry skin:  a normal dry skin results from a lack of natural oils.  A complex dry skin lacks both oil and moisture; and characteristics include fine lines, brown spots, discolouration, enlarges pores and sagging skin.  If the skin is / has been exposed to prolonged sunlight (or sunbeds), then the proteins (elastin, collagen and keratin), may also be damaged.

Often a dull skin not only looks dull, but it easily develops wrinkles and/or fine lines, and can even become scaly / flaky.  Fair-skinned people are more prone to have or develop a dry skin as they age.

If there is no underlying cause such as eczema or psoriasis, then it can be a combination of heredity, vitamin deficiencies and poor nutrition.  Vitamins A and B play a crucial role and a deficiency of these vitamins, can easily lead to a dry, scaly skin.  Other important vitamins and minerals to add to your diet, are vitamin E, B-complex with extra B12, Zinc and Primrose oil (or any other essential fatty acid-product).  Vitamin C, L-Cysteine and Selenium, are also good choices.

As for looking at your diet, make sure to includes vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds and nuts.  Eat a good quality protein and eat more raw foods.  Eating foods that is high in sulphur, like garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus, are a good way to keep the skin looking smooth and youthful.  Eating lots of orange and yellow vegetables can aid with your intake of beta-carotene (part of vitamin A – also important for good eyesight!).

Try not to eat a lot / avoid completely: friend foods, soft drinks, sugar, junk food and processed foods.  Junk foods are often prepared in oil that has been used over and over again.  If certain vegetable oils are placed on high heat, free radicals are produced, which have a destructive effect on your skin, and your health in general.

Always drink plenty of water.  A good test to see if you are drinking enough water is to gently tuck on the skin on your hand.  If it falls back, you are not dehydrated, but if it stays up, then you need more fluid.  Another signal from the body to let you know that you’re not drinking enough water, is that you are thirsty.  Experts believe when you are thirsty, you are already dehydrating!

Moisturizing our skin with the right products is always best.  As I have said earlier, there are many different products on the market for the different skin types.  Products containing glycerine, vitamin E and panthenol, are good options.

When you wash your face and body use a loofah / scrub 1 – 2 times per week.  Don’t do this more than twice per week, as exfoliation can rid the skin of its natural oils (these oils are not just important for locking-in the moisture but also acts as a barrier against the elements).  A facial mask once / twice per week is another good way to deep-cleanse your face.

There are many homemade-recipes that works just as well as the products you buy in a store.  If you are uncertain about using something, either just dap a small amount on your hand to see if there is any skin reaction, or use a sample first.

Many experts believe that it is good to change your moisturizers and facial creams during the different seasons.  However, I have found that the one I use works well in both summer and winter.  For those suffering from a dry skin; remember to look out for products with plenty of moisturizing factors in.  For oily skins it is best to use creams and make-up that gives a matte finish / look.

At the end of the day; no matter how many lotions and other treatments you use, you cannot stop getting older.  However, you can change the way you age, by changing the way you think about it.  So, why not turn your frown into a smile?