While so many people maintain a skincare routine because they want their skin to look attractive, the most important reason to have a skincare regime is that the skin provides a protective barrier for the rest of your body. It is your first line of defence against bacteria, so you want to fortify that barrier and keep it healthy.

The skin protects us. The skin supports the life of all other body parts and plays a role in maintaining the immune system. For instance, when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays, your skin manufactures Vitamin D, an essential vitamin for healthy skin and body.

That is why, besides your face, neck and décolletage area, your full body also needs attention when it comes to skincare!

Dry and irritated skin gets damaged more quickly than oily skin. Cracks can form, or dead skin can build up like “snake skin”. Which in turn can make your body's skin more prone to infection. Looking after our body’s skin can also prevent skin sensitivities like rashes or immune responses like dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.

While a skincare routine may seem to be a high maintenance habit, in reality, the steps for healthy skin are easy to implement - and essential for your health.

Protect yourself from the sun:

• One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect the skin from the sun.
• A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

Smoking:

• Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles.
• Damages collagen and elastin fibres.
• Depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important for the skin's health.

Treat your skin gently:

• Limit hot showers and baths. Having prolonged showers or baths will remove natural oils from your skin.
• Avoid strong soaps - soaps or detergents can strip oil from your skin.
• Moisturise. Choose a moisturiser adequate to your skin type.

Eating a healthy balanced diet:

• Having a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats will give not only your body, but also your skin, all the nutrients they need.
• Drinking your recommended eight glasses of water will also help to rehydrate the skin.

Dry brushing:

• The mechanical action of dry brushing helps detoxify by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow drainage.
• It can also stimulate your nervous system, to feel invigorated afterwards.

Exfoliating using a body scrub:

• A mechanical or chemical body scrub helps those dead skin cells that do not want to fall off and make your skin feel rough.
• Exfoliating can also prevent body acne or keratosis pilaris.

About The Author

My name is Sari Pols, I have been in the beauty industry for over 15 years. My passion lies in ‘Health’. Health for the skin and body. My philosophy is if we have a good well being on the inside, then it shows our vitality on the outside. I have furthered my knowledge in Skin Anatomy, Skin Concerns and Fitness. I am a true believer in how to make my clients feel their best both inside and out. My emphasis is on guiding my clients through their personal journey of skin concerns and conditions. I do not like to bandaid a concern or condition but want to get down to the root of the cause. I aim to give personalised consultations with treatment and correct prescribed skin products.