Are You Damaging Your Skin With Wrong Habits?
Your skin is the mirror to your health – but is it in good health? Chances are high that you may be doing something wrong without even being aware of it. If you find that your skin is not in the best shape after moving to KSA, we present the following guide to a few common mistakes you might be making with respect to your skin:
#1 Trying to be your own skin specialist.
There are several skin care creams and lotions advertised in the mass media that claim to cure a host of skin ailments. But how can you know which one is the most suitable for you? Every person’s skin is composed uniquely with its own DNA of cells, tissues, membranes, etc. A product that suits one person may not suit another, and in fact, may even have undesirable side effects. Do not buy into these advertisements, and instead, consult a reputed skin specialist in Riyadh for a detailed skin profile. The profile will help the dermatologist understand the unique nature of your skin and why it faces certain problems. The skin specialist can then advise on the right kind of products and treatments you can undergo for clear, radiant skin.
#2 Not drinking enough water.
Water is a major life force for all human beings – over 80% of the body is composed of water. It is needed for the smooth working of the major organs, for proper blood supply, and to keep the skin cool and clean. It regulates skin temperature via the sweating and evaporation process, and removes toxins from the pores via sweat. However, its proportion in the body must be maintained regularly by way of consuming at least one litre of water per day. Drinking adequate amounts of water daily ensures that skin health is maintained. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, then make sure you get your daily fix of hydration from green or chamomile tea, vegetable soup, fresh fruit juice, etc.
#3 Not reapplying sunscreen lotion every few hours.
Sunscreen lotion was one of the most important inventions of the 20th century. It helps create a protective barrier between bare skin and harmful UV rays from the sunlight. Sunscreen lotion must be mandatorily used in countries like the KSA, which routinely face harsh sunlight and dry weather, which cause skin tanning and rashes. However, simply applying it once in the morning and then forgetting about it is wrong – you must reapply sunscreen lotion (SPF 30 or above) every three hours, even if you are indoors. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen lotion on cleansed skin every three hours all year, even in the winter months.
#4 Not getting enough sleep.
Sleep heals most ills in the body. It is also a potent weapon against early signs of skin aging, creating of fine lines and wrinkles, recovery from local trauma or acne, etc. As you sleep, the skin’s rejuvenation processes come into play – new cells are produced, damaged ones are repaired or discarded, and moisture is locked into the tissues. The production of collagen is also stepped up during sleep, so getting good quality sleep for at least seven hours a night is essential for supple, healthy skin that is free from oiliness, acne and other problems. Switch off from your digital devices and go to sleep in the company of soothing music, soft lighting and a magazine, so that your brain can relax and help you sleep better.
#5 Eating junk food.
What you eat shows up on your skin. Food rich in trans fats, excess oil, sugar, salt, etc. imbalance the skin and other major organs of the body. The skin requires nutrients from a balanced diet to remain youthful and radiant, and junk food and fizzy drinks do not meet this requirement.
#6 Exposing the skin to airconditioned environments.
It is almost impossible to live comfortably in the KSA without the help of air conditioners. However, constant exposure to the cold, dry air from an AC can harm your skin over the long run. Aim to expose your skin to fresh evening air (after sundown) for as long as you can every day so that the skin may breathe.
