We all know the rules for beautiful, clear skin: apply plenty of sunblock; cleanse well; get plenty of sleep; and drink your 8 glasses of water per day. But how essential is drinking plenty of water for beautiful skin?
Water’s importance in maintaining proper health is indisputable; 70% of the body is made up of water, and it is a vital component of any healthy diet. So many of the body’s functions require water: it keeps your bowels regular, flushes toxins from your body and energizes your muscles.
Some other ways to improve hydration in this layer include minimizing exposure to dehydrating elements such as low humidity, harsh winds, dry heat, high altitude, sun and air-conditioners. Skin cleansers and products that strip the skin of natural oils, or contain alcohol can also be very harsh on the skin.
Eating foods rich in Vitamins A, B, C and E, contained in a range of fruit and vegetables, help keep the skin elastic, protect it from age-related damage and help with the growth of new skin. Foods rich in the essential fatty acids found in walnuts, flaxseed, salmon, and olive oil can also help skin cells stay hydrated. If you have very dry skin or eczema, consider flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, or borage-oil supplements. All listed are good sources of alpha or gamma linolenic fatty acids. A study by the Institute of Experimental Dermatology, in Germany, showed flaxseed or borage oil supplements can help increase skin moisture and reduce roughness.
A good moisturizer is also a good first defense against drying skin or a deep hydrating mask. Key ingredients to look for include stearic acid and emollient ceramides. And most important of all, do not forget to protect your skin from the drying and aging effects of the sun with a good high-SPF sunscreen, minimum SPF 30+.
If you want to get a handle on your hands, speak with our Cosmetic Nurse Specialist about the treatment options available to improve skin quality and help restore volume and hydration to your hands 9370 1997.
