Rethink
your routine
The
'cleanse, tone, moisturize' mantra has been replaced by an altogether
more fundamental skincare rule--be gentle. Over-treating skin is
common" says Dr Andrew Griffith, consultant dermatologist at St.
John's institute of dermatologist at St John's Institute of dermatology in
London. 'Lots of women unwittingly dry out their skin by over -cleansing
it, then apply heavy moisturizer to make it feel better. Wash off
cleansers, soap and toners can strip out the protective lipid barrier,
leaving behind uncomfortable, taut skin. Even shampoo can
dry out your face, so apply your cleanser before you get in the shower and
leave it on while you wash your hair.
Check
your diet
If
you want your skin to glow with health, you need to start from the in
side, says Dr. Brenda Davies, co-author of Total Well-being.
Her two skin essentials are a
good, well-balanced diet (to feed your skin) and detoxification. Foods rich
in skin nutrients are green, leafy vegetables for betacarotene, dairy
products or goat and sheep's mild yogurts for
vitamin d, pork for vitamin B, avocado for vitamin E and citrus fruits,
kiwis and peppers for vitamin C. As d detoxified, Dr Davies drinks
freshly squeezed juice made from carrot , beetroot and celery. Try
taking Floresse Skin Vitality regularly as an added
dietary bonus.
Change
your oil
Although
there's no direct evidence that upping your intake of essential fatty acids will
improve the texture and suppleness of dry skin, you'll
still find beneficial oils from sesame and sunflower seeds, oily fish such
as mackerel, tuna and sardines, linseed, oil and evening primrose oil. Nutritionists recombined
three portions of oily fish a week.
Give
your skin a drink
Your
skin is the first organ to show the signs of water deprivation, says
nutritionist Jane Clarke in Body Foods For Life. She believes the cheapest and most effective way to deal
with dehydrated skin is to drink at least a liter of water a day. At the
same time, reduce the amount of dehydrating chaffing caffeine and alcohol
you imbibe.
Take
a short , sharp shower
Although
a long, hot bath might beckon on a cold day, hot water and
soap strip your skin of moisture, Steve Barton, Boots scientific skincare
adviser, recommends showering in warm water using a moisturizing body wash and moisturizing thoroughly afterwards.
Are
you a sensitive soul?
People
with sensitive skin often also have dry skin and, in winter, cold weather
, hot houses, alcohol and spicy food can make it more
sensitive. The weakened lipid barrier increases the likelihood of irritants
getting further into your skin , says Steve Barton. Help
make the winter more comfortable for your skin with this
action plan.
Soothe
with the right skincare
Don't
leave your skin bare because you're convinced it will react to any
products you put on it. There are lots of new
ranges with soothing ingredients available. However you should
still do a patch test on your arm when your skin is calm.
Go
for natural
To
soothe a reaction, try cooling Boots Herbal Calendula Cream.
For a superb cleanser for very irritated skin or to soothe a reaction,
boil up some full-fat mild and let it cool, or use cold chamomile tea
instead.
Take
time out
"
Stress has an effect on every organ of our body and the skin
is no exception, says Dr Brenda Davies. Relaxing might be as simple as
having some time to yourself, other major factors are getting what
Dr Davies calls the basics of good living namely more exercise a
lot more sleep.
