Better skin
Make sure your skin is well cared for with these top tips:
Dry skin
Signs: Skin becomes dry when the top layers lose water and natural oils. Dry skin may look dull or flaky and can feel rough and itchy.
Causes: Dry skin can fluctuate depending on hormonal changes and environmental conditions, like exposure to cold, dry air. Other factors such as medications, excessive air travel and the simple process of aging can also cause tight, dehydrated skin.
Tips: The good news is dry skin can usually be brought under control in less than two weeks. Use a gentle, creamy cleanser every day, such as Dove Essential Nutrients Creamy Foaming Cleanser. Rinse with cool water, since hot water tends to strip away your skin's natural oils. Apply a rich moisturiser while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture.
Brown spots
Signs: Brown spots usually appear in your 30s on sun-exposed areas such as the face, forehead, forearms and back of the hands.
Causes: The increased pigmentation of brown spots is usually the result of cumulative sun exposure or other forms of ultraviolet light.
Tips: The best defence against brown spots is to avoid the sun from an early age. Before heading outdoors, apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15, such as Dove's Day Lotion SPF 15, on all exposed areas, even in winter. It's also a good idea to wear hats and protective clothing, like lightweight long sleeves, even on warm days.
Stretch marks
Signs: Stretch marks first appear as raised red or reddish brown marks and eventually flatten and fade to a pinkish shade that is generally lighter than your natural skin tone. They often show up on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, thighs and buttocks.
Causes: Stretch marks are the result of the skin being stretched over time, most often due to weight gain. Common candidates for stretch marks include pregnant women and adolescents experiencing growth spurts, but anyone who gains or loses a significant amount of weight in a short period of time is susceptible.
Tips: Though preventing stretch marks can be an uphill battle, it helps to increase circulation and keep skin supple by massaging vulnerable areas regularly with a rich moisturising cream. The key to reducing their appearance is to treat them as soon as they appear.
Facial acne
Signs: Blemishes ranging from whiteheads to inflamed papules and pustules.
Causes: Adult acne is often a result of hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, menstrual cycles or menopause. Skin that has been irritated by shaving or makeup may also be susceptible to outbreaks.
Tips: To help reduce acne, avoid excessive contact with your face, such as resting your chin in your hand. At night, thoroughly cleanse your skin with a product that removes face and eye makeup, and sleep on clean cotton pillowcases. To help clear up pores, use oil-free sunscreen and a mild cleanser. A clay mask or drying lotion may also help.
