The skin you love to touch

Treatments to maintain healthy skin.

Want to know the secret to beautiful looking skin? Don't we all. Unfortunately there isn't one secret for everyone since all skin is different.

To ensure that your skin can reach its full potential you must be aware of your skin type: dry, normal, combination or oily. Knowing your skin type can help you achieve healthy glowing skin. To find out what skin group you belong to you can simply go to your local clinic or beauty salon. They can do a number of simple tests that will determine your skin type.

In harsh climates such as Dubai products must be able to protect your skin from the drying effects of air conditioning and sunlight. These have a negative effect on your skin.

"As we are exposed to such harsh conditions your face can become very dry. The natural moisture in your skin needs to be replaced. I would recommend a deep cleaning facial," says Evelyn Rodriguez, a qualified beautician at The Beauty Salon, Dubai.

Healthy body

"There are a lot of claims in the media about the effect of certain vitamins and minerals in delaying the ageing process and some other nutrients that offer protection against the damaging effect of the sun," says Mariam M. Saleh, Clinical Dietitian, based at the American Hospital Dubai.

"A healthy body means a healthy skin. The basic nutrients are carbohydrates, protein, fat, water, vitamins and minerals. Each is important in the proper care of the body. So to achieve a healthy body and as a consequence a healthy skin we need to achieve a good balance of all the necessary nutrients, including water."

Saleh continues, "A well-balanced diet will not necessarily reverse damage that is already done, but it will prevent more damage and nourish the skin by supplying the essential vitamins and minerals that the skin needs to keep it looking healthy. In general, we should eat a variety of foods. We should choose a diet with plenty of grain products, fruits and vegetables and one that is low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Vitamins found in fruits and vegetables especially vitamins A, C and E, are known to be good for the skin," she says.

Everyone has different skin, but one thing that we have is common is we must maintain it. "Maintenance is very important. Your diet can have an effect on complexion and influence how the skin repairs itself. Foods that are rich in anti-toxicants and anti-ageing vitamins will help. Vitamin supplements can be taken. Vitamins E and C are very important for repairing your skin. You must drink plenty of water — around 10 glasses a day if you exercise," says Dr Taysir Rashid, Kaya Skin Care Clinic.

"In harsh weather conditions such as Dubai I would recommend that women get a facial treatment at least once every two weeks, at least," says Rodriguez.

Moisturising

"You must not forget to moisturise at night no matter what age. You can use any type of cream, anything with vitamin C will help repair the skin. You can start to apply an anti-ageing cream from as early as 30-35 (years old)," says Dr Rashid.

He recommends exfoliating once a week to eliminate dead skin cells, making way for new replenished skin. "Microdermabrasion is recommended to help maintain healthy looking skin, and as the procedure is non-invasive it can be done on a regular basis if required. Or, alternatively, a fruit peel is a non-invasive procedure. Both treatments can be carried out in addition to your daily cleaning routine. Fruit peels are normally recommended for 30 years plus," says Dr Rashid.

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that involves the skin being 'sandblasted' by aluminium oxide crystals. This buffs away the surface layer of the skin. It reduces age spots, softens lines and minimises acne and scars.

Dermatologists always recommend that you protect your skin from the sun whenever you venture outdoors. Sunscreens are one of the best defences against sun damage. These agents either neutralise the UV radiation or reflect it.

Most cosmetics now contain added sunscreen agents but plain sunscreen formulations still remain the safest. "Sunscreen is one of the most important factors in maintaining healthy skin. No matter what age or skin type you must wear sunscreen. This can be worn under your make-up. Or get a face cream that has a SPF in it. Always remember to apply the cream to your neck, this is often neglected and in later years can be a tell-tale sign of ageing," says Dr Rashid.

Sensitive skin

People with oily skin often find that wearing a sunscreen under their make-up can make their skin very greasy. If so, try a water-based sunscreen or a gel-based one. This is also an option if you have sensitive skin.

Although many blame the sun for premature aging, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking damage the skin. If possible avoid both. Or at least limit your consumption.

Vitamins play a vital role in maintaining and repairing the skin. Saleh explains: "Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin tissue. In case of deficiency in vitamin A, the skin may appear dry and flaky. The important food sources are yellow and dark leafy vegetables, whole milk, liver and butter.

"Biotin, one of the vitamin B family, forms the basis for skin, nail, and hair cells. A deficiency is unlikely to happen because it is easily obtained from the diet, with little effort. It is found in bananas, eggs, oatmeal and rice," says Saleh.

Vitamin C and vitamin E protect the skin from sun, smoking, and pollution by acting as antioxidants. When excessive amounts of oxidants or free radicals are produced due to sun exposure, smoking, and pollution, they can cause damage leading to disease and ageing.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants help to remove these free radicals, thereby reducing the damage. Foods rich in vitamin C are citrus fruits such as orange and grapefruit, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts and leafy greens.

Foods rich in vitamin E are vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, and asparagus. "Some people take vitamin E in supplement form because it is difficult to take the recommended amount that offer protection from food alone," says Saleh.

Selenium can protect the skin against sun damage by helping to minimise the damage caused by free radicals. Selenium can be found in whole grains, seafood, garlic, eggs and liver.

Zinc can clear skin by controlling oil production. It is also important in cell growth. Oysters, lean meats, and chicken have a high zinc content.

Most people will get their recommended daily allowance of these important vitamins and minerals if they consume a varied diet and eat more than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Some people fail to consume this amount of food on daily basis and choose to take a multivitamin. Before taking any supplement it should be discussed with the physician on an individual basis. A dietitian can also be consulted to help maintain a well balanced diet.