How to have and maintain healthy skin

Many different factors can contribute to having unhealthy skin. This can be caused by harsh chemicals used, the make up used, sun damaged and ageing. The skin on your face receives the most exposure of the day and needs attention and protection. Many people also have different types of skin. To be able to maintain healthy skin, people need to identify what kind of skin type they have. These can include oily, dry, sensitive, normal and sun damaged or aging skin. Each of these has simple ways of treating it and can make the skin of a 'normal' skin type over time if treatment is maintained. Normal skin is defined as having medium pores, quite smooth texture, good circulation causing a healthy colour, may tend to be dry on the cheeks and oily on the t zone at times. Daily moisturisers and hydration from plenty of water can keep the skin at a 'normal' type.

Suffering from 'oily' skin can cause it to be greasy and prone to black heads and spots. Oily skin has enlarged pores and can make the skin quite tight. Oily skin can be caused by misuse of skin care products and drying the skin with harsh soaps and excessive use of astringents and scrubs. Ways of treating oily skin and avoiding it can be done by using gentle moisturisers and using products specifically designed for oily skin. Making sure the skin is clean and hydrated can prevent oily skin therefore reducing the risk of blackheads. Using oil free products such as foundation can also help. Carrying blotting papers in your bag can help to control shine if you need it while out and about busy. Applying loose translucent powder can also reduce the appe arance of oily and shiny skin.

Other types of skin can be 'dry'. This can become very irritable and painful when the skin forms rashes. Signs of dry skin can be that it feels tight, especially after cleansing. Dry skin can also form fine wrinkles, flaking and red patches. Prevention of dry skin can be by avoiding things such as caffeine; smoking and alcohol because they act as diuretics and suck the skin dry. People with dry skin should aim to drink up to eight glasses of water a day to make sure the skin is hydrated enough. Avoiding long and hot baths/showers can improve dry skin because it becomes dehydrated in heat. Using oils in the bath can help to keep the skin hydrated and also maintain moisture that may be lost by the heat of the bath. Windy and sunny weather can cause the face to dry out so being prepared can really help this. Ways in which this can be done is using high factor sun lotion to protect the face from becoming burnt leaving the skin flaking and peeling. Applying moisturiser can also protect the skin against the wind.

Sensitive skin is also a skin type that can be quite irritating due to the reactions people may have from products. Many people can suffer from sensitive skin without realising. Sensitive skin can include having delicate and fine pores. The skin is also prone to breaking out in capillaries. Sensitive skin can be avoided by not using soaps and lotions containing alcohol. Using warm temperatures can help reduce breakout of rashes when washing the face because using hot water means the skin is more likely to react to the product you are using. Other ways to care for sensitive skin can include not using oils as this can cause rashes. Using a towel to dry the face can also cause unnecessary red patches that may take a while to disappear. Avoid using cotton wool on the face to cleanse as it tends to irritate the skin. Making sure you buy products designed for sensitive is important because they will not contain any fragrance that the skin can react to making it less likely for the skin to breakout in rashes.