HEALTH REPORT
Handy hint If your skin is prone to flushing or dryness, get into the habit of spri tzing yourself with a cooling spray. The se products usually contain rosewat er and anti-inflammatory essential oils, such as tuberose and lavend er, and they instantly shower the ski n with a burst of moisture as well as countering heat and refreshing your make-up. Cooling sprays are compact, so pop one in your han dbag and another in your car for a quic k pick-me-up. Spraying your neck a nd chest area is particularly effective if you are feeling overheated.
and locking in precious moisture. Avoid tight-fitting nylon, polyester or wool clothes, as they can trap heat and sweat and cause skin irritation; ‘breathable’ natural fabrics like linen and bamboo are preferable. Use a good quality sunscreen with SPF protection on all exposed skin and wear a hat, especially during the middle of the day. Pay particular attention to your chest area, or décolletage. The skin here is extremely delicate and much thinner than the skin on your arms and legs; it also produces less natural oil and usually bears the brunt of summer sun exposure, thanks to open-necked or strapless clothing. When it comes to avoiding or at least reducing wrinkles, sun spots, age- related pigmentation and crows’ feet, the best approach is always prevention. Skip harsh soaps or shower gels, and use mild, fragrance-free products instead. Use a natural, microbead-free exfoliant regularly to remove dead skin cells, which can give skin a dull, leathery appearance. Be gentle: scrubbing too hard will only damage skin and aggravate surface capillaries, causing redness. Use a nutrient-rich serum or mask to nourish skin cells, such as skinB5 Five Minutes
Skin Purifying Mask. Avoid long and overly hot baths and showers, because they strip the skin of its protective sebum (natural oil). To maintain plump, smooth skin, you will need to replace this sebum. Jojoba oil is a natural antioxidant which works exceptionally well as a protective skin barrier and moisturiser, because its molecular structure is very similar to the skin’s own sebum; this means that it penetrates deeply into the skin’s layers, and it is quickly absorbed without being greasy, making it an ideal ingredient for a moisturising cream or lotion. Jojoba oil also contains the skin- healing vitamins A, D and E and omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, which all work together to help regenerate skin cells and repair skin damage. For best results, apply your lotion or cream as soon as you get out of the shower or bath while your skin is still slightly damp – this will have a humectant effect, meaning it will help to lock in moisture. Choose products that contain naturally hydrating ingredients – in addition to jojoba, shea butter and coconut, macadamia, and almond oils all help form an effective barrier to water loss through the skin.
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ISSUE 53 • 2019
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