How to Have Healthy Skin

HOW TO HAVE HEALTHY SKIN

LOOK carefully at the products you use, particularly if you have `sensitive' or problem skin. A reputable company will happily tell you precisely what is in its products. If you're not sure what an ingredient is, ask. Rhaya Jordan suggest: `In general, if it's long and difficult to pronounce, it's probably too unpleasant to put on your skin.'

BE wary of highly perfumed or coloured products. The chemicals used to make products look and smell nice often cause the biggest problems.

BE wary of products which offer a quick fix. If you force your skin to do anything fast, it will undoubtedly rebound on you. And beware of products which `force' wonder ingredients into the skin.

BE gentle with your skin: don't rub it and don't vigorously exfoliate it. The outer layer of the skin is there for a reason, so treat it carefully.

MAKE sure your skin is really clean. Adopt a thorough but gentle cleansing routine, morning and night. Avoid products which strip the skin of its natural oils.

AVOID using a heavy moisturiser at night, because it won't allow the skin to carry out its natural nightly detox - rest and repair. Instead, use a light cream or herbal gel.


DRINK more water. Although experts dispute whether it actually `plumps out' the skin, there is no doubt that drinking fresh water helps eliminate toxins.

TAKE an anti-oxidant supplement. Biocare's Cellguard Forte is a good high-quality antioxidant supplement, while Edge is a pleasant-tasting herbal tea packed full of anti-oxidant herbs.

MAKE-UP is as full of chemicals as skincare products. Always try to limit the time you wear foundation, in particular, and make sure you always remove all make-up thoroughly.