Do you have sensitive skin which reacts badly to the sudden change of weather? As winter approaches, many of us find our skin becomes increasingly dry and itchy.
Central heating, air conditioning and falling temperatures are to blame for sore and inflamed skin. These are often the triggers to common skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.
How can you avoid an outbreak of winter rashes?
1. Be ahead of the game: Prevention is better than cure, so be alert for the early signs of an outbreak. The moment you catch a whiff of symptoms such as itchiness, bumps, sores or dryness, do not delay: act immediately. Have appropriate products to hand (lipsyl, emollients, moisturisers) so that you can zap the first signs of a break-out.
2. Use the right skin cleanser: Not just on your face, but all over your body. Your skin naturally produces oil, so if you over-cleanse or strip your skin of vital oils, it will compensate by producing more. That can lead to clogged pores, soreness and acne. Try a skin cleanser like Cetaphil that closely mirrors your skin's natural pH. Because it cleans without stripping away the natural protective oils, it is gentler on your skin.
3. Moisturise effectively: Step one is to make sure you know your skin type. Using the wrong products for your skin is a common mistake, and can make problems worse. If your skin is sensitive, look for products that work with it not against it. Consultant Dermatologist Dr Justine Hexall says, 'Dry and sensitive skin can be treated if you are smart with your skincare. Simply choose gentle, clinically proven skincare products which soothe, rebalance and restore the skin.'
Already a top selling product in the US, the Cetaphil therapeutic skincare range of cleansers and moisturisers is recommended for eczema, acne, rosacea and psoriasis sufferers. Available from Boots and other leading pharmacies.
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