Skincare

The skin is the body's

protective covering. However, it is not an insensitive wall. It is alive, and its cells are constantly multiplying to replace cells shed from the top of the horny external layer. Many bacteria and fungi (germs) normally live on the skin - some of them helpful and most of them harmless. When the skin is healthy, there is a balance between the skin cells and bacteria and fungi. A number of causes, such as exposure to chemicals or germs not normally found on the skin, can upset this balance. If the body's defenses are down, this can lead to disease.

The best way to prevent skin disease, or at least to reduce its effects, is to look after your skin. A skin in top condition can fight off germs more easily. It also feels better.

Follow this simple guide to give your skin the glow of good health.

1) Cleanliness: Your skin is constantly shedding and renewing itself; dead skin cells are rubbed off as new skin forms. Gentle cleansing helps to wash away perspiration, grime and the oils which skin glands produce all the time. Wash your skin with mild soap and warm water each day. It is important to remember that too much washing can stop the skin's oils from doing their job properly. For this reason, it is best to be gentle when washing.

2) Exercise: Take some outdoor exercise every day. It could be a swim at the pool or a jog at lunchtime - any activity that will stimulate your circulation and bring a glow to your cheeks. Remember to wear a sunscreen to protect your skin from damage.

3) Rest: Get a good night's sleep. Your skin renews itself while you sleep and needs time to do this job well. The amount of sleep needed to maintain good health varies from person to person. Eight hours a night is about average, but only you know how much sleep you need.

4) Diet: As a rule, if a food is good for you, it is good for your skin. Try to follow these guidelines, choose a nutritious diet from a mix of foods, Control your weigh, Eat more bread and cereals, vegetables and fruits and avoid eating too much fat (including fried foods), avoid eating too much sugar (including sugar in processed foods), eat less salt, limit your consumption of alcohol.

5) Sun protection: Skin can burn in the sun in less than 10 minutes. Sun-damaged skin can lead to early wrinkles and/or skin cancer in later life. Always wear a 15 + broad spectrum sunscreen, hat and shirt when outdoors to help protect your skin from damage. Avoid the summer sun between 11am and 3pm (this is when the sun does the most damage). Look for signs of melanoma (a form of cancer). If a new mole appears, or a mole changes shape, size, color or texture, see a doctor.