Skin care is part of a healthy lifestyle, and health practitioners urge that taking good care of skin is paramount, especially during the dry season—not just for appearance but health.
The skin is essential to your general health, and taking care of it can help take care of you, making it important to do so on a daily basis.
Dr Francoise Gahongayire, a dermatologist at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali, says it’s ideal for people to understand that it’s not about putting together a skin care routine, rather, knowing the basics of skin care.
She notes that there are simple science-backed principles that can help you take good care of your skin.
While walking under the scorching sun, she says, it’s advised to use glass skin sunscreen. This is needed because the skin is exposed and can get sun damage.
In addition to using sunscreen, she says to apply a daily moisturiser before stepping out of the house.
"It’s important to keep your skin moisturised in order for it to feel and look healthy. Depending on the type of skin, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist that can recommend the best moisturiser according to your skin type,” she says.
She adds that making sure to clean the skin and remove makeup, especially before bed, is vital.
Rene Tabaro, a nutritionist at King Faisal Hospital, says for better skin, one has to ensure they get enough sleep on a daily basis.
In fact, he says that studies have linked wrinkled and puffed skin to lack of sleep, adding that aiming at seven to eight hours per day is important.
Tabaro notes that just like getting enough sleep is important for health, so is proper nutrition. He says that eating a balanced diet is key, and that one doesn’t need to restrict any foods, understand that unhealthy diets will do worse for your skin.
"What you eat has a strong effect on your skin’s health, and research has shown that diet is important when it comes to things like acne, ageing and even skin cancer,” he says.
Also, staying hydrated is important to improve the health of the skin, as being dehydrated can cause symptoms like fatigue and digestive issues.
Studies also indicate that drinking enough water is good for overall health, and therefore, your skin.