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Skin Enemies:
Every day, your complexion works to defend itself
from a host of aggressors - discover the most common and find out what you
can do to save your skin
UV Light
We should all know by now that excessive sun exposure can be skin ageing and dehydrating - if you've ever been to a
Mediterranean island and noticed the sun-damaged, prune-like faces of the
local fishermen, you'll understand what we mean. However, the good news is
you don't have to end up looking like said fishermen, so long as you take
action to protect your skin in the sun, and that doesn't just mean on the
beach, as UV rays reach you even on cloudy days in the city; apparently,
90 per cent of sun damage occurs on a daily basis. Experts recommend an
SPF of 15+, worn every day of the year, to protect your skin from ageing
UVA rays. Fair skin types should be looking at sun protection of 25+, and
all skin types should take into account the sun's intensity before
choosing a suitable sun protection product.
Pollution and the Environment
The environment in which we live has become a threat to our skin, and
pollution is a significant enemy, coating our skin in grime and clogging
our pores. And wherever there are motor vehicles there is pollution, so
don't think that by living the rural life you are immune. Take action by
using a good moisturiser containing UV protection and antioxidants, and by
wearing make-up which acts as a barrier and prevents any nasties reaching
your skin. At the end of the day, cleanse thoroughly to remove every last
trace of make-up and dirt. Continually moving from centrally heated to air
conditioned atmospheres can also be a source of complexion confusion,
which is why skin often acts differently from season to season. Struggling
to maintain its moisture levels and pH balance, skin will eventually
become dry and dehydrated, so treat it in a similar way to how you dress
to suit the temperature outside - use a richer moisturising cream or
barrier product when it's cold, and a lighter lotion when the weather is
warmer.
Stress and Lack of Sleep
Everyone suffers from the occasional bout of stress, but when emotions
spiral out of control, your skin is among the first organs to suffer.
Dryness, sensitivity, spots and excess oil are the external signs of
internal stress, while constant frowning can lead to deep-set facial
creases and lines which only surgery will be able to rectify, so it pays
to learn how to wind down and chill out at the end of a hard day. Switch
on the answer phone and try a little meditation, yoga, an aromatherapy
bath or treat yourself to a massage or the latest blockbuster; all are
effective de-stressers that are easy on the pocket and relatively simple
to incorporate into the most hectic of weeks. Plenty of sleep is essential
for good skin, as burning the candle at both ends will inevitably result
in a tired and drawn complexion. If your sleepless nights are not due to
all-night clubbing sessions, try cutting out caffeine after 6pm, and have
a hot bath containing a few drops of lavender essential oil, followed by a
milky drink. Take a book to bed and read until you feel tired (nothing
work-related though), and you should be in la-la land in no time at all...
Smoking
Chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the appearance of the skin
permanently. Tobacco smoke restricts blood vessels, reducing the amount of
blood flowing to the skin, and therefore depleting it of oxygen and
nutrients. Smoking also produces free radicals which trigger an
inflammatory response throughout the body, ultimately ageing you faster -
in general, people who smoke tend to look up to a third older than those
of the same age who do not smoke. The habit also thins, dehydrates and
reduces collagen levels in the skin, which is needed for a plump, youthful
look. Antioxidants are required, so step up intake of vitamins A, C and E,
take nutritional supplements and apply products containing ingredients
such as green and white tea and vitamins for an added boost. However, no
amount of pills or products will guard against future damage, because
every cigarette you smoke depletes the levels of vitamins and antioxidants
in your body, so it's time to kick the habit for the sake of your looks
and your health. Allen Carr's Easy way to Stop Smoking Clinics have a 90
per cent success rate, and take a unique approach by focusing on why we do
smoke, instead of why we shouldn't smoke.
Alcohol
Ever suffered with a red, blotchy or spotty complexion the morning after a
full-on night out? It's no wonder post-party skin often flares up, when
you consider that a heavy drinking session puts the body's detoxification
system into overdrive, and a direct strain on the liver, kidneys and skin,
all of which have to suddenly deal with and filter out a huge amount of
additional toxins. While you may or may not be regretting that last vodka
shot of the evening, your body will be crying out for water, so work on
rehydrating your skin both internally and externally by applying a
hydrating or detoxifying face mask when you get in or the following
morning, and downing a couple of pints of water, both of which should soon
get you back on track.
Precautions & Care:
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