Keep skin moist and supple
LEATHERy skin looks good on the iconic Marlboro cowboy because it adds to his ruggedness. But it won’t be as flattering on city slickers such as us who live and work in a society where youth is highly valued.
Weather conditions (such as sun exposure, arid air and wind), use of medication, illnesses, unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits, and lack of proper skincare can cause our skin to become dehydrated. If we don’t do something about it fast enough, the unflattering consequences will be reflected in our skin in forms such as wrinkles and dry, flaky skin.
Not only will our appearance suffer, but our health too, as dry skin can lead to ailments such as eczema and dermatitis.
Skin hydration is thus vital for healthier and younger-looking skin. To keep our skin in prime condition, we must first be aware of the common causes of skin dehydration:
> Improper care of your skin If the facial cleanser, washing lotion or body soap you are using leaves your skin feeling dry and taut, it’s best to chuck it. Some cleaning products may contain ingredients such as alcohol, astringents and fragrances that are too harsh on your skin and cause it to become dry and itchy.
your skincare routine matters as well. If you cleanse your face or bathe too many times a day, you will be stripping your skin of sebum – the layer of oil that helps to protect the skin, keeps it supple and prevents moisture loss.
Hot water and dry, cold air are also bad for skin – these elements dry up skin and can cause outbreaks such as rashes. So it’s best to avoid taking hot and/or long baths, and get regular doses of fresh air instead of constantly staying in an air-conditioned environment.
> Not using sunscreen Prolonged exposure to UV radiation results in wrinkles, skin discolouration and spots, causing premature ageing. UV rays harm the skin by penetrating into its deeper layers, damaging DNA, destroying collagen and depleting essential nutrients within them.
Besides choosing a sunscreen of a suitable SPF (sun protection factor), we must also know how to use it correctly. Look for sunscreen offering broad-spectrum protection – that is, one that can block both UVA and UVB rays; apply it evenly and reapply whenever necessary.
> Not moisturising skin regularly Moisturisers contain ingredients such as humectants and emollients, which help lubricate the skin and retain moisture in the process. Moisturising is particularly important as we advance in age, or if we live in colder climates or are constantly in air-conditioned environments. > Smoking Smoking harms the skin by inhibiting collagen production and constricting the blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Without collagen and oxygen, the skin develops wrinkles and takes on a leathery appearance.
The most telling signs of the damaging effects of smoking on the skin are wrinkles around the mouth, discoloured teeth and skin that is tighter than it should be. The longer and more frequently you smoke, the worse the damage and more irreversible it is.
Smokers who are able to kick the habit at an early age will have a better chance at stopping the damage done to the skin and improving its condition by drinking plenty of water and eating properly to restore the depleted nutrients. – The Straits Times / Asia News Network