Skin, for being the largest organ; the waterproof, protective wrap of our body’s surface, is often not given the TLC it truly deserves.It is almost always the body’s first point of external contact and it is constantly interfacing with our surroundings. Our skin plays a primary immunity role in protecting the body against disease causing bacteria and, excessive water loss. The other functions of skin include body insulation, temperature regulation, sensation, synthesis of vitamin D, and the protection of vitamin B salts. Being scrubbed, sweating, exposure to the sun, pollution and the environment; the work of our skin is never done.
The skin on the head; the scalp is from which head hair grows. The scalp contains numerous sebaceous glands and hair follicles.Together, your skin, hair and sweat glands help control body temperature.
In humans, skin pigmentation varies among populations, and skin type can range from dry to oily. Such skin variety provides a rich and diverse habitat for bacteria hence the need to keep skin and hair clean at all times.
- Skin becomes dry during the winter, so use a mild cleanser or face wash
- Avoid using a moisturiser at night and allow your skin to breathe
- Rain or shine, don’t step out of the house without applying sunscreen! Always use a water-based or gel based sunscreen in the day
- Stick to water based make-up and never go to bed without removing all traces of makeup from your face!
- Follow a regular skin cleansing routine and avoid harsh clean-ups frequently at parlours
- Visit your dermatologist for any irritation of the skin
Dry skin means a dry scalp too and given the added humidity in the air, yourhair becomes frizzy too.
- Use a mild shampoo and a conditioner when you wash your hair.
- Keep your dandruff in check! Dandruff is the cause of almost 7 kinds of skin problems. You must use an anti-dandruff shampoo once a week
We tend to ignore caring for our hands and feet; two important parts of the body that are very susceptible to infection causing germs.
- After a bath, use a rough towel to scrub the soles of your feet. This will prevent the build-up of dead skin cells
- Do not ignore cuts or cracks, as this is how infection enters your body
- Keep your finger and toe nails clean and comfortably short
- Use only good brands of nail polish and do not attempt to scrape your nails with other objects
- Get a manicure-pedicure, once a month
- Consult your dermatologist for BIOTIN, or other nail supplements that can be taken orally
