HEALTH Dry, itchy skin?

Dry, itchy skin?


Health
Bernie Fahy

It’s that time of year again when the temperature drop. Cold wind, rain and even hailstones batter our skin, while central heating dries it out. All this leaves our skin prone to itchiness, flaking and sensitivity.
Dry skin typically experiences a breakdown of the skin barrier function, which can lead to inflammation, as well as a build-up of dead skin cells. The number one solution is to keep skin well hydrated and protected.

• Eat plenty of essential fatty acids, such as omega 3 and omega 6, which are found in nuts and wholegrains and flaxseed oils. These fatty acids keep skin healthy and hydrated.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Gently cleanse using a ph-balanced cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural barrier
• A good quality moisturiser is a great investment
• Exfoliate once a week to counteract the build-up of dead skin cells and help give your skin a hydrated ‘dewey’ appearance

THE SKIN SPECIALIST Bernie Fahy works in Ballinrobe, Westport and Galway. She can be contacted at 086 2220125 or info@bernietheskinspecialist.com. For more information, visit www.bernietheskinspecialist.com.