Nigeria Health & Lifstyle

GENERAL SKIN CARE

The beauty of your skin is determined by how well you take of it, the attention you pay to it and ultimately your lifestyle and level of hygiene.
The skin is the outer covering of the body. In humans it is the largest organ of the body and because it comes in contact more with the environment, the skin plays a key role in protecting the body against pathogens and excessive water loss. The skin helps the body also to synthesize vitamin D, regulate body temperature.
Since our skin is the outer coating of the body, Skin care should be an essential part of our daily routine because the function of the skin is disturbed when it is dirty; it becomes easily damaged and prone to infection. Hence the need therefore to give adequate care and attention to the skin. A beautiful skin makes a whole lot of difference in one's appearance; good poise, carriage and body features are not complete without a good skin. A healthy glowing complexion is the most important attribute of a natural beauty.

Before delving in skin care routines proper, it is essential to note however, that skin type varies, and this most times could be as a result of climate changes, genetics, state of health, diet and environmental factors. Thus the routine care differs according to skin type. It better to know which category your skin belongs so as to avoid further aggravation and damage to the skin.


SKIN TYPES AND CARE REGIME

Dry Skin
Dry skin has a thin layer texture and looks dry and flaky on the surface, it is caused by inadequate production of oil (sebum) by the body. This type of skin requires more care, and the best way to care for it is to moisturize it always with body and facial creams specially formulated for dry skin both at night and during the day. The effect of this skin type is usually felt during the dry season (especially the harmattan season) due to dehydration thus making the skin appear older and flaky. So it’s best to use a creamy cleanser for the face as well as moisturizing creams containing vitamin E and Shea butter for the body, rather than gel lotions. It is advisable to take lots of water to help hydrate the skin since the body produces less sebum than what is required. However one of the advantages associated with this skin type is that it is hardly susceptible outbreaks of acne and pimples.

Normal Skin
This type of skin texture is the best- it is the ideal kind of skin because it has a balanced production of sebum. It is never too dry or oily. Normal skin requires less attention than other skin types, however that is not a reason to neglect normal routine care for the skin. It also requires normal cleansing; toning and moisturizing- facial mask should be used at least fortnightly to exfoliate the skin and keep it looking fresh and healthy.



Oily Skin
Oily skin is caused as a result of excessive production of a substance called sebum by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Sebum is a naturally healthy skin lubricant-oily skin is identified by the shiny outlook of the skin large and clearly visible pores everywhere expect around the eyes, it is susceptible to clogged pores, blackhead and build up of dead skin cells on the skin surface.
One of the ways to control the excess oil particularly around the face is to clean up the skin with natural face cleanser formulated especially oily skin. Gel cleansers and rose water are the best for this kind of skin type however a light moisturizer should be used as well to counter any drying effects from the cleanser. Use a toning lotion that contains a PH of 4 to 5.5 to help balance and hydrate the skin as well. Avoid as much as possible the use of soap on the face it is not good for the skin. Stay away from foods containing saturated fats and use skin products that contain very little natural oils, so as not to aggravate the oily condition of the skin.
The positive aspect of this skin type is that it is not prone to wrinkling and other signs of aging because the oil helps to keep needed moisture locked into the skin making the skin look young and fresh.

Combination Skin
This type of skin is both dry and oily at the same time. it is usually found around some parts of the face also known as the T-Zone area in which the chin, nose and the fore head is oily while other parts of the skin is dry. Caring for this type of skin requires the use of a mild cleanser. One of the best ways to care for this type of skin texture is to spread the oil from the t-zone to other parts of the face particularly in the mornings, then cleanse with a mild astringent. It is advised that individuals who fall into this category should see a dermatologist for proper recommendation on the best product to use.


Having listed the various skin types, it is necessary to add that individuals these days especially females are becoming increasingly aware of their looks- thus go all the way out to look beautify their skin and improve their looks through exercise, diet and use of cosmetics. The fact still remains that there are basic routine and beauty to follow to help maintain and care for the skin regardless of the skin type, environment or genetic factors. Some of these include;

1.  Keeping the skin clean and this can be achieve by bathing everyday at
     least twice a day. Cleaning the skin does not involve facial cleansing only-
     so invest in a good body wash depending on the skin type and climate
     condition. Where the climate is humid its best to use medicated soap
     because of the sweat from the body.

2.  Toning is another way to care for the skin, toning makes the skin look young,
    tight and supple, keeps the skin pore size small. Should be used after the skin
    has been cleansed.

3.  Beauty care starts with the skin, however what goes in to the body also
     affects the skin on the outside. It essential to mind of what we put inside our
     bodies. Eating raw fruits and vegetables and foods rich in Fluorine helps to
     combat scaly skin which is a result of Fluorine deficiency in the body.

4.  It has been found out that cucumbers are ideal for combating and
     preventing sodium deficiency which makes the skin sticky and wrinkle
     faster.

5.  Since what you eat affects your skin either negatively or positively, it is
     advisable to avoid refined sugar.

6.  Skin rash is also another result of silicon deficiency, Tomatoes and spinach
     helps to combat this as well.

7.  Finally, another basic skin care method is moisturizing the skin with a good
     moisturizer according to the skin type. For the oily skin, water based
     moisturizer are the best. While oil and cream based moisturizer are required
     for dry skin type.

Cosmetics should be used carefully on the skin to avoid allergic reactions. Sunlight, water and air help to keep the skin healthy.

Let’s not leave out our hands, this part of the skin faces a lot of physical pressures, like being constantly dipped in hard water and chemically laden detergents and soaps and this causes skin irritation and dryness.

A gentle oil based hand cream will keep the skin there soft and protected.
Lots of water and green tea helps to detoxify the body. Apply sun blog or protection before going out.