Basic tips for healthy skin

During the summer, the skin is often more exposed to damage, mainly due to more exposure to sunlight than usual, as well as contact with sea water or chlorine from swimming pools. Climate changes and environmental pollution are also harmful to the skin.

All this makes the return from holidays a good time to examine the state of your skin and take various measures to care for it. The skin is one of the body’s major organs, protecting it from environmental hazards, regulating its temperature and allowing the perception of touch.

That’s why we present the following tips to keep your skin healthy and smooth.

Excessive cleansing can cause excessive oil loss in the outermost layers of the skin and lead to dermatitis or accentuate skin dryness”.

Basics for peachy skin
Drink plenty of water

Your body loses water throughout the day. You need to at least replenish the water you lose by drinking two to three litres a day. Water helps your body function at its best (after all, two-thirds of your body is water) and makes your skin look smoother and fresher.

Exercise

Skin elasticity and tone are lost with age. You can maintain the firmness of your skin by exercising regularly. Moderate exercise such as yoga can be just as beneficial as the most vigorous muscular exercise.

When you exercise, you increase the blood flow to your skin, which means it receives the optimal amount of essential nutrients and vitamins. Exercise also tones your muscles, which helps to shape your skin.

Keep your skin glowing

Clean skin is the best way to prevent infections and body odours. Most soaps, facial cleansers, shower gels and other such products have been pre-tested to ensure they won’t cause irritation or allergic reactions, so the type of products you choose should only be based on personal preference.

Remember that over-cleansing can cause excessive oil loss in the outermost layers of the skin and lead to dermatitis, or accentuate skin dryness.

Take a sauna

By making you sweat and expelling impurities, a sauna helps to cleanse your skin. It also improves circulation. Remember not to drink alcohol or eat a heavy meal before a sauna session.

Older people or those with heart or respiratory problems or chronic ailments should avoid saunas. Keep the temperature comfortable and if you feel sick or dizzy during the session, leave the sauna immediately, drink plenty of water and sit quietly for a while. If the symptoms do not disappear, seek medical attention.

Brush your skin

Sparingly brushing your skin dry with a special brush will help remove dead skin cells that can make your skin look damaged. Always brush in the direction of the heart, i.e. from the hands to the shoulders, from the feet to the hips.

Don’t brush your skin if you have cuts, wounds or if you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, as brushing will only make these conditions worse.

Use exfoliating scrubs

It’s similar to brushing your skin. Exfoliating shower gels or massages contain particles that promote the cell renewal process without damaging the epidermis. Some contain acids from certain fruits (alpha hydroxy acids) that help to remove dead skin cells.

These acids, also called AHAs, can irritate some skin, so stop using them if you notice signs of skin irritation or redness.

There are many exfoliants on the market, so you’ll need to try which one suits your skin best. Or, if you dare, from a mixture of olive oil and coarse sea salt, you can try making your own natural skin scrub (obviously, don’t apply it to cuts or wounds).

To soften rougher parts of the skin, such as knees, elbows and heels, you can rub avocado pulp on these areas. An amount of avocado that fits in the palm of your hand will suffice.

Moisturise your skin

Moisturising your skin daily will help keep it smooth by increasing moisture levels. Skin has different needs depending on age and skin type, so if you’re not sure what’s right for you, it’s best to consult your pharmacist.

Many moisturisers contain AHA acids, vitamin E, wheat germ, aloe vera, plant extracts and other ingredients added to improve skin tone and texture, as well as reduce age spots and wrinkles. Look for a moisturiser that is non-comedogenic (won’t block pores) and steer clear of “miracle creams”.

Use sun protection

Skin cancer is the biggest risk from prolonged exposure to sunlight. The best preventive measures are moderation and protection. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun’s rays and use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (usually called SPF) of 15 or higher.

Reapplication of sunscreen is advisable, especially after sweating or bathing. Excessive sun exposure can worsen or accentuate skin problems such as ezcema or rosacea, a condition characterised by intermittent redness or inflammation of the skin.

Observe and monitor your skin

Regularly observing your skin will help you get used to and familiar with your skin’s appearance, which will help you spot any skin changes more quickly. Pay particular attention to moles; if you notice any that change shape or bleed, see your GP for an examination.

You should also check the skin around your testicles and breasts monthly, especially for any lumps, dimples, wrinkles, or changes in texture.

Stop smoking

Finally, if you are a smoker, the most important thing you can do to improve the condition of your skin is to stop smoking. Tobacco smoke dries out your skin, while constricting blood vessels and therefore the amount of blood reaching the skin, depriving it of essential nutrients. On the other hand, smokers are two to three times more likely to develop psoriasis.