Essential guide to skincare

Your skin performs a variety of important functions like protecting your body from bacteria, viruses and ultraviolet rays. A healthy skin helps in producing vitamin D. Your body temperature is controlled and maintained by your skin. Importance of having healthy skin cannot be underestimated.

A balanced diet and a daily skincare regime are essentials for good skin. Planning your skincare routine must involve taking into consideration your skin type, and its needs. To protect your skin from the weather changes, pollution and stress here is an essential guide to skincare:

Cleanse regularly

People with dry skin must avoid hot showers as they not only dehydrate your skin, but they also wash away the essential oils secreted by your skin. Opt for cool showers in summer, and warm ones for winter. Use a body scrub suited for your skin type to exfoliate your body from head to toe. Use a scrub with gentle and small microbeads instead of large scrubbing particles that can damage your skin.

Hydrate

After ridding your skin of the dead skin cells and dust build up, it is time to feed your skin with a body lotion or a moisturiser. Using one with natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, olive oil, shea butter, etc., can ensure that your skin receives the nutrients it craves. Choose a moisturiser rich in omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins D, A, E and K. A cleanser or body lotion containing vitamin C L-ascorbic acid with a 15% or higher concentration level is ideal for a healthy skin. Moisturising your skin just after a bath is ideal, as the pores on your skin are open and can easily absorb the nutrients.

Protect well

Whether in summers or winters, protecting your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun is necessary. Apply a full spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin every day. UVA rays, commonly known as the ageing rays, can break through cloudy weather and harm your skin.

Mask it

Treat your skin to a mask rich in protective antioxidants and nutrients. A mask can be chosen depending on your skin type and its requirements. It is ideal to apply a mask made of clay, sulphur and eucalyptus once a week.

Dose of vitamin D

In winters, the lack of exposure to sunrays can lead to a vitamin D deficiency. You can apply a serum rich in vitamin D before applying sunscreen to give your skin its required dose of the sunshine vitamin.

Glow on

Scars, cellulite and veins can become a hindrance. The markets are brimming with a range of oils. Instead of using a concealer to hide your skin issues, it is always better to opt for an oil that can hide your flaws, and provide healthy nutrients to your skin.

(The author is CEO of GNC)