Healthy skin is slightly acidic,
due to the acid mantle which covers it. The
acid mantle is a combination of sebum and perspiration
designed to protect the skin from the environment.
Each day we lose 850 ml of water through perspiration,
so drinking water is helpful in replacing this
lost fluid. During the summer, water loss is
more rapid, and humid conditions accelerate
water loss through the skin as the body attempts
to cool itself. As a result, sebum production
increases, collecting on the skin and clogging
pores. For many, this process results in breakouts,
so regular cleansing is recommended.
A good skin care regimen for most skin types
during the summer months is the following:
1. Cleansing with a natural, vegetable soap
or soap-based cleanser.
2. Exfoliation, not exceeding once or twice
per week
3. Hydrate your skin with an alcohol free,
natural toner or fill a clean, sterile spray
bottle with filtered water and mist over the
face after cleansing or exfoliation.
4. Moisturize with a light, all natural moisturizer.
Creams and lotions with petroleum based ingredients
tend to clog the pores unnecessarily.
5. Massage a face oil or moisturizer into
the skin at night. Massaging serves to increase
circulation to the skin, which helps the natural
rejuvenation processes which take place during
sleep.
6. Keep lips protected and moisturized with
a lip balm, lip gloss or lipstick, preferably
containing a natural sunblock such as titanium
dioxide.
7.Cover up to reduce the amount of exposure
to the sun with a wide brimmed hat, long and
loose fitting clothing. Ninety percent of
skin cancers are due to chronic sun damage
and eighty percent of wrinkles arise from
photoaging.
Any skin care discourse which does not include
a discussion of nutrition is lacking a fundamental
principle of healthy skin care. Good health
and beauty are synonymous. For instance, a
clogged and spotty complexion can be linked
to a diet high in saturated fats and sugar.
Sensitive skin may become worsened by poor
digestion or inadequate absorption of nutrients.
Dry flaky skin may reflect a diet low in fatty
acids or vitamin E. Skin that does not heal
quickly may be low in vitamins A, B6, C or
zinc. A healthy, varied diet helps the skin
defend itself against infection, cell damage
and premature aging, especially during the
summer months. Increasing your daily intake
of fresh, raw vegetables and fruit adds vitamins,
antioxidants and water to your diet. Take
advantage of the increased variety of fresh
foods available during the summer, since a
good diet is one of the essential elements
for healthy, glowing skin.
Resource: by Lori Stryker, www.sensiblesoftware.com
http://www.jurgita.com/articles-id262.html
