When we are young, the main skin complaints are greasy skin and acne. But as we grow older, the skin gets dry and more problems may occur and the challenge is to counteract the problems of the skin.
However, we can have beautiful skin no matter what our age, race or color is. The secret is to understand how your skin functions, and to take care of it properly.
Here are some tips and advice on how to take care of our skin from Dr. Taysir Jarbouh Rashid, Dermatologist of Kaya Skin Care Clinic.
1) Tips on how to prevent sunburn:
• Applying a sunscreen, the right amount shall be applied which is 30ml for the whole body (for adults). Don’t forget parts like your ears or your toes and even your scalp.
• Tightly Woven clothes are good but should be loosely fitted at the same time.
• Broad brim hats can also be of good help.
• Sunglasses, the bigger the better . Color, style and cost have nothing to do with the amount of sun protection offered. Always select glasses classified as 99 to 100 percent of UV rays. Some labels specify “UV absorption up to 400nm.” This is equivalent to 100 percent UV absorption.
• Seek shading and not too much exposure to the sun.
• Drinking enough water on a daily basis.
• Antioxidant vitamins can help also.
– Avoid the daytime when the sun is at its peak and the sunlight has the highest intensity
– Be aware when you are at the beach or close to water that the surface reflects the sun light and amplifies the sun effect and the risk of sunburn.
2) To ease the pain if you have sunburn:
The burning sensation (feeling) and redness are the 2 most annoying factors, and this can be solved by a cool shower (or cooling in general) and also by applying an Aloe Vera lotion, if those 2 didn’t work perfectly then pain killers can be taken to help (e.g. aspirin).
Source: https://outdooruae.com/outdoor-activity/hiking/a-touch-of-care-for-a-healthy-skin-outdoors/
3) What are some of the biggest skin-care mistakes men and women make?
• Most common mistakes are not protecting their skin with the appropriate sun screen as a way of saving on their pockets.
• Over-washing the face whereas 1 or 2 times a day are sufficient, so the milder the better.
• Enough consumption of water is the best for the skin . According to various sources, drinking more water is no problem at all, because the body does not store excess water. If you drink more water, you will have to go to the toilet more frequently. As a result, your system will be running well, flushing unwanted salt from your body (by sweating too).Drinking excessive amounts of water may also lead to hyponatremia (too little sodium in the blood). The best strategy is to observe what your body is telling you. If you feel that you lack energy, constantly thirsty and have dark-colored urine, then this could be a sign that you are not getting enough water.
Note: / Salt and fatty acids can also make your skin dry.
4) What should I do to prevent skin cancer?
A preventive measure could be routinely checking yourself at home and in front of the mirror if there are more freckles, moles expanding, bumps etc., if anything unfamiliar appeared on their skin, acnes not healing, a wound not healing etc. or if you developed some other symptoms. If you are not certain or are suspicious of any observation you should consult a skin expert.
As a woman, we tend to buy products for our skin to look fairer and at the same time, this can also prevent us from sunburn, skin allergies or even worst as skin cancer.
Nonetheless, we sometimes overdo this and can lead to rashes or worse. As your Outdoor buddy, I personally advise you to take the natural and effective way. As Dr. Taysir said, the right consumption of water is perfect, added with right exercise and proper meal, you’ll never go wrong.
Remember, we cannot run away from the unbearable heat in the Middle East especially during summer time but we can always stay safe by doing the right thing. Enjoy the heat of the sun but don’t forget the sunscreen, you, Outdoor enthusiast!
Take care! J
Published in September 2012
