- Categories: Skin Whitening
- Tags: Age Spots, Aging Skin, Arm Pit, Contrary To Popular Belief, Dry Skin, Glasses Of Water Per Day, Health Conditions, High Blood Pressure, Layers Of Skin, Moisturizer, Natural Ability, Natural Oils, Oil Glands, Pit Area, Prescribed Medication, Sensitive Skin, Showers And Baths, Skin 1, Skin Dryness, Thyroid Disorders
Although it may not be intentional, everyday we abuse our skin by partaking in daily rituals including showering, bathing, playing in the sunshine, smoking, drinking coffee, or simply enjoying the air conditioned living room. The environment that we live in takes tremendous toll on our skin and slowly it loses its natural ability to moisturize. Skin is our body’s first line of defense and protects us from infections, impacts and the environment as a whole but over time this begins to fail.
As we age our skin care needs begin to change and evolve. Dry skin is a wide spread problem however as we age this becomes much more prevalent. Contrary to popular belief the number one issue that immerges is not wrinkles or age spots, it is actually skin dryness. Ironically having healthy moisturized skin actually minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. As we age the layers of skin that we don’t see on the surface begin to thin, the oil glands become under productive, and the diminished lipid (fat) layer is no longer able to hold moisture. This all leads to dry, flaky, itchy, and sensitive skin.
Another unavoidable reason for the increase in dry skin is medications. As we age the probability that we will be on a prescribed medication increases, dry skin is the side affect of many. As well many health conditions are associated with skin dryness such Diabetes, high blood pressure, and many thyroid disorders.
To help alleviate dry skin try the following:
1. Try showering or bathing every second day when possible. Hot water strips the body of its natural oils so luke warm water is always recommended. Showers and baths should be limited to 10 minutes. Use cleansers sparingly, use them for your groin and an arm pit area, water is generally sufficient for the rest of your body. Leave your body damp and apply moisturizer to seal in the moisture.
2. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, your body must be hydrated to work efficiently. Always increase your liquid consumption when doing physical activity or in environments that sap water from your body. Reduce or avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking, these all have a diuretic effect on the body.
3. Add a humidifier to your home or work environment. Air conditioners and central heating systems pull a large amount of moisture from the air, and a humidifier will help remedy this issue. There are many on the market today so finding one that fits your budget and your needs should be relatively straight forward. 4. Above all else moisturize, even if you don’t think you need to. Being proactive is always the best solution to any problem. It is recommended that a moisturizer of some kind be applied twice a day, and at bedtime is a must.
Moisturizing on a daily basis should be part of everyone’s skin care regime; however as we age it becomes must more imperative. As a population we focus on how our skin looks but it is important to remember that our skin is the body’s biggest organ and it has many important health protecting duties. Winning the battle against dry skin not only makes us look and feel fresh but it helps maintain skin integrity which is essential to our health.
By: Katie Carwell
- Categories: Skin Whitening
- Tags: Cruet, Everything In Moderation, Excess Amounts, Flavours, High Blood Pressure, Kidney Problems, Lemon Lime, Lime Juice, Matter Of Course, Necessary Element, Palate, Pinch Of Salt, Processed Foods, Puffy Eyes, Ready Made Meals, Salt Intake, Salt Manufacturers, Sensible Levels, Shelf Life, Water Retention
Excess amounts of salt, evidence continues to suggest, are connected with high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney problems.
It is also said that taking too much salt in your diet can cause water retention in your body and among other problems can be the cause of those puffy eyes.
Too much salt is also often believed to be one of the main enemies of the skin and therefore it would be sensible to limit the intake for reasons not only of health but cosmetic too.
Salt also labeled as Sodium is a necessary element in the body for the maintenance of fluid levels and other functions but like most things in life “everything in moderation” tip the balance and those functions that were working perfectly OK start to become a cause for concern.
So how can we ensure that our salt intake remains at sensible levels?
In our hectic and busy lives one of the biggest mistakes we make is to eat a diet containing lots of processed foods.
Fast food take-aways, ready-made meals are convenient yes and will do us little harm if eaten only now and then but how many of us are relying on them as our main meal more than just occasionally? These foods are often containing preservatives and often too much salt. Manufacturers want the longest possible shelf life for their products. How else can they do that without the use of preservatives?
Do you love to use salt on your meals because it enhances the flavour and have you always done this as a matter of course? The cooking process may have already included the use of salt and so perhaps sometimes you do not really need the cruet set before you start your meal. Many recipes include “a pinch of salt”. Try a new approach to improve flavours, in place of salt you could use herbs, spices, a little garlic or lemon/lime juice.
After a little while with using this reduced salt strategy you may well find that your palate has regained it’s sensitivity to salt free flavours. Then not only will you eat healthier and enjoy the foods you eat but you will be helping to keep your blood pressure low, your heart healthy and your skin healthier looking too.
By: Brian Potter