Basic skin care

* Basic skin care includes bathing at least once a day with soap and water.
* Try to clean your face at least twice a day; in the morning and before you retire to bed in the evening.
* If we do not wash our face, the dust and the dirt will block the pores and may cause pimples and black heads. Pimples are due to the blockage and infection of the sebaceous glands of the skin. To get rid of the pimples try washing the face with cleanser with anti bacteria properties. There are also many pimple creams and gels you can apply to dry up the pimple.
* Moisturize at least twice a day: once in the morning, and in the evening before going to bed And it is not true that those with pimples need not moisturize. They should use a water-based moisturizer instead of an oil based one which may further irritate the skin.

BODY ODOR

(Underarm Odor)
Everybody has his/her own distinctive body smell. However when a person's body odor is o strong or pungent that it drives other people away' it becomes a problem. Unpleasant body odor is usually easy to prevent with proper hygiene unfortunately, those who have it are often unaware that they do, probably because they are used to the smell.

Symptoms
*An unpleasant or bad smell emanating from the body

Common causes
*Bacteria fighting on perspiration that has been left to dry on the skin for some hours. The body has two kinds of sweat glands: the exocrine glands, found all over the body, and the apocrine glands, activated only at puberty and are found in hairy areas such as the armpits and the pubic region. It is the apocrine glands, which secrete proteins and fatty substances, that play a major role in causing body odor.
*Eating spicy foods, such as curry, garlic, and onions.

What you can do
*Take frequent baths or showers, especially after exertion.
*Use antiseptic or antibacterial soap or bathing gel.
*Use a deodorant or antiperspirant on the armpits.
*Use talcum powder, especially on body creases, to keep the skin dry.

Prevention tips
*Practise good hygiene. For example, take a bath or shower at least once a day.
*Avoid sweating excessively by keeping cool with a fan or air conditioner
*Do not leave perspiration to the dry on your body for long periods. If a bath or shower is not possible, wipe your self dry.
*In a warm or humid weather, wear light clothing. Avoid fabrics e.g., nylon, which trap heat and moisture.
*Change clothes, especially underwear, daily.

ATHLETE'S FOOT

( Foot ailments, Fungal infection )
Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection not exclusive to athletes. The fungus thrives in areas that are always moist and warm, but the skin between the toes ( toe webs ) is most susceptible to it. Especially in hot humid weather. Feet in poorly ventilated shoes soak the socks in sweat and become breeding grounds for infection. In an advance stage, the disease may become chronic and painful.

Symptoms
* Mild to severe itch, usually n the feet.
* Cracked, scaling, and peeling skin, particularly in sometimes spreads to the soles.
* Blisters.
* In an advance stages:
a. White, soggy skin in the toe webs.
b. Unpleasant odor.
c. Oozing from blisters.
d. Crumbly white and thickening toenails, if left untreated.
e. Pain in the affected areas.

Causes
* Fungal infection which thrives in moist and warm areas of the body, particularly in the feet.

What you can do
* The infection heals spontaneously, if you carefully dry your feet before wearing socks and shoes. Footwear must be kept thoroughly dry. Thivk cotton socks or sandals are recommended. Use foot powder to kept the feet dry.
* Apply antifungal cream or powder for about 4 weeks, even if the infection disappears sooner.
* Consult doctor if symptoms persist after four weeks of antifungal use.

Prevention tips
* Always keep you feet clean. Dry your feet, especially the toe webs, before putting on foot wear. Make sure that your socks and shoes are likewise thoroughly clean and dry.
* Do nt go barefoot in public showers or locker rooms and on soil.

Anti-aging strategies

*Wrinkles cannot be avoided. However, strong sunlight should be avoided which can cause premature aging. Skin that has been over exposed to sunlight becomes thickened, yellow, rough.

* Too much sun also increases the risk of skin cancer. It has been estimated that having a bad sunburn increases the chances of getting skin cancer by twofold. There for, if you have to go out, use a sun screen on exposed parts of your skin, not forgetting delicate areas like your lips and tips of your ears. Reapply regularly.

*Wear dark colored clothing with tight weaves because dark colors absorb sunlight and p[revent it from reaching your skin.

* Try to wear a cup to shade your scalp and face if exercising outdoors.

Care for dry skin

* Quite a lot of people complain that they have dry, rough skin. This can be due to a variety of reasons. Strong saps, not drinking enough water and an air-conditioned environment all dehydrate skin.

* Using a very hot water bathe also causes skin dryness. To prevent this, you should use lukewarm water only when showering. You should avoid using strong soap. Try to use one which is pH balanced. You can also apply an emollient cream to hydrate the skin.

* To have soft, fresh skin remove the outer layer of dead skin cells by rubbing a loofah or a washcloth in circular motions on your skin. This is called exfoliation.

* Eat a balance diet supplemented with vitamins A, C and E and drink plenty of water at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.

* Cut down on teat, coffee and alcoholic drinks which can cause water loss through an increase in urination.

* Allergies, hormonal imbalances, infection or stress can also cause skin disorders, consult your specialist or doctor if there is any abnormal bruising or also if suspicious moles appear.

* Having enough sleep is very important fr the skin. It is during our sleep that our skin regenerates it self.

* Always remember to remove makeup before going to bed.

* Another skin care tips is to exercise frequently. Exercise makes skin glow by encouraging blood circulation and increasing the oxygen supply. People who exercise regularly have better skin tone and texture and fewer wrinkles.