Body Care Tips

The skin is your largest organ and is punished like no other – we scratch it, cut it, burn it, bruise it, stretch it and expect it to remain soft and smooth.

Your skin varies from paper thin (on your eyelids) through to very tough (on the soles of your feet), and as such requires different treatment.

The basic premises of exfoliating, cleansing and moisturising still apply from head to toe. Chemists, supermarkets and beauty therapists stock countless products to be slathered everywhere, but what do you need most?

Sunscreen

Yes, number one in New Zealand in terms of skincare will always be sun protection. Our sunlight is wonderful, yet harsh and unforgiving and we can cause damage in a matter of moments.

Many moisturisers contain sunscreen, but it is a good idea to invest in a product solely designed to be a sunscreen so you always have adequate protection.

Rule of thumb

There is a general rule of thumb, the longer a product stays on your skin, the more you should invest.

There are plenty of good cleansers on the market that don’t need to cost the earth and are targeted at specific skin types. Your skin type may change over time, so it is a good idea to seek advice from time to time as to whether you are still using the right product for your skin.

If you regularly wear makeup, use a cleanser capable of fully removing it. Research has shown sleeping in makeup can add years to your face! Like everything with our bodies, our skin also needs time to rest and breathe.

Beware packaging and bold claims

We all know we should eat cleanly and mostly from nature. Your skincare regime should be the same. There are a number of great natural oils in the market you can use on your skin as well as in your hair.

Far from leaving your skin and hair feeling greasy, oils (coconut, rosehip and the like) are light, rejuvenating and feel amazing.

If you prefer creams, there will likely be more ingredients involved, but they will still work well. Check the list of ingredients (the first ones listed will be found in the greatest quantities). If you have allergies or specific skin conditions, steer clear of too many perfumes, alcohols and man-made ingredients.

Equal opportunities

Men are special too! There are more and more products available that are specifically designed for male skin. While men are less conditioned to use skincare, they love the results and the feeling once they do.

Exfoliate

Sloughing off dead cells is a fast way to feel fresher and brighter. In the shower, use exfoliating gloves (not on your face) and then moisturise well.

Use much finer exfoliating products on your face – remember the skin is much finer, but it will feel just as good.

Nourish from within

Supplement your diet with fish or flaxseed oils to moisturise from within. Get plenty of sleep and try to maintain a constant weight. Regularly gaining and losing weight takes its toll on your skin tone.

It is also best for your skin to keep well hydrated with non-alcoholic, decaffeinated drinks and limit your sugar intake.