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December 16, 2004
Smooth as silk
As one grows older facial skin starts forming deep lines and flaky patches. Saba Khan gives tips on how to take care of the skin
The skin is a protective layer for organs and tissues to ward off pathogens, heat and light. It also regulates body temperature, stores water, fat and vitamin D and has touch receptors that sense pain or pleasure. It is also an excretory and absorption organ.
Skin has a natural moisturizing factor. Teen skin is prone to oiliness due to the activity of the hormones. It is at its prime from the age of 20 to 30 when the skin cell turnover provides optimum conditions for the skin. Between 30 and 40 years, cell turnover starts to decrease and fine lines begin to appear. From the age of 40 to 50, it becomes drier. After 50, cell turnover drops by 50 per cent, resulting in flaky patches and deeper lines.
Caring for the skin
*Regular sleep gives our body the chance to repair the skin cells.
*Regular exercise and massage stimulates circulation and blood flow.
* Drinking eight glasses of water a day keeps the skin hydrated, healthy and fresh.
*Take only warm showers and stay away from prolonged sauna exposure.
*Protect the skin from the sun to prevent the skin from becoming dehydrated.
*Follow an anti-aging diet rich in fruits and green leafy vegetables that are full of natural antioxidants.
Cleansing
Clean your skin every evening. The skin pores get blocked due to exposure to air pollutants and dirt from our fingers. It is really important to remove stale make-up, perspiration, dirt, dust and excess oil. Use a good, natural cleanser that removes only the impurities without stripping the skin of nutrients and moisture.
Exfoliating
It is important to help the skin renewal process by removing dead skin cells. Exfoliate at least twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells. Care should be taken if you have broken capillaries and surface veins.
Clay masks
Clay deep cleanses, draws out impurities, softens and conditions the skin.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing helps to protect your skin from daily pollutants.
Tips for smooth skin
You can transform your dry skin into a super smooth, soft, supple and glowing skin by using these home remedies:
*Mash a banana with milk and apply on the face and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water.
*Apply honey on your face and neck for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water. Your skin will glow and become soft and smooth.
*Mix egg white with honey and apply on the face for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water.
*Make a paste of one teaspoon each of walnut powder, honey and lemon juice. Scrub your face with this paste and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water.
*Rub a piece of papaya on your face and neck for 15 minutes.
*Make a paste by mixing two tablespoons of turmeric powder in orange juice. Rub it on your face and neck and leave for 20 minutes. Wash with cold water.
*Make a paste by mixing mashed banana, honey, lemon juice and margarine. Apply on the face and leave it overnight. Smear on hands and feet, and wash off in the morning (use gloves and socks to cover hand and feet).
*Boil cabbage in water. After it has cooled wash your face with the water.
*Grind half a cup of mango peels, a teaspoon of milk powder in enough water to make a paste. Rub on face, neck and hands and wash it off after 15 minutes.
*Mix one cup of sugar with a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. While taking a shower, lather your body and face heavily with a soft soap. Scrub the whole body and face with the sugar mixture and the lather.
*After a shower, apply petroleum jelly on your entire body. Take shower again after an hour. Repeat this twice a month.
*Mix cornflour with an egg white and apply on your face. Keep on face for an hour, and then put your fingers in warm water and massage the face. Repeat daily for 10-15 days. n
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