forever skin

Dry, itchy, flaky
Why me?

A lot of women aren’t aware that warm or hot showers actually dry up and age skin. Though we live in the tropics we still love heating up the bathroom. Try to stop. Use running water at room temperature and finish off with a splash of cold for that refreshing feel.

Sometimes dryness and accompanying irritation are caused by certain soaps, itchy clothing or wrong moisturizer and/or moisturizing techniques. It’s best to apply moisturizers (preferably unscented) when skin is slightly damp or towel dried to lock in moisture. If dryness and itching continue consider whether you have a medical condition such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Combat skills

Soak in your tub or take a long shower; then apply a generous amount of moisturizer, preferably one with hyaluronic acid which helps the skin retain it’s natural moisture balance.

Use topically applied vitamins - such as vitamin A - which inhibit collagen breakdown while stimulating collagen production, for supple, healthy skin.

Vitamin E (burst vitamin E capsule and apply) provides barrier protection while soothing skin.

Lastly, seek anti-aging or exfoliating facials with hydroxy acids and super rich moisturizers recommended by your dermatologist or aesthetician.

Pat me dry skin

Sebum oil, produced by the sebaceous gland, controlled by androgen hormones, can bring on oily skin during puberty, monthly cycles, or menopause. Oily skin can also be hereditary or brought on by certain cosmetics or contraceptive pills.

Oftentimes, oily skin results in acne. When sebaceous glands produce too much oil it spills into the skin’s surface. This oil acts as a binder, holding on to dead skin cells meant to be shed. The skin follicles become clogged with oil and dead cells, prohibiting oxygen from entering. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to redness and inflammation around the follicle resulting in acne.

Combat skills

Treat oily skin with high frequency facials using glycolic and salicylic acids (which have anti-inflammatory properties) that help to detach dead skin cells that contribute to clogged follicles and acne.

Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane, apples and grapes. It’s natural and gentle and easily applied on inflamed pustules to help them dry up quickly.

Of course, home care is essential. Always wash your face at night to remove excess dirt and make-up. Use a mild cleanser and avoid oil-based cosmetics (in favour of water based ones).

Sherry Seegulam, CEO of Skin Deep Salon and Spa attends spa conferences across the world. A connoisseur of aesthetics and graduate of Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics, Manhattan, and International Institute of Reflexology, Florida, Caribbean Belle pegged her to offer solutions for irritably dry and oily skin.