The skin is that layer of tissue that covers the body. The skin could be fair, dark or olive. It is the part of the body that gets the first attention of an onlooker.

The beauty of the skin is not rated on its fair, dark, olive or chocolate look but on a posture of adequate hydration and smoothness.

The position of the skin in human body as an outer covering, subjects it to great challenges as it battles daily with exposure to the outside environment, ranging from harsh climatic condition, to insect bites and dusty atmosphere.

Hence, one of the greatest challenges of man, especially the female folk, borders on how to secure adequate protection for the skin so as to avoid eventual damage.

In the words of Ayodele Davina, a writer, “it could be okay to splurge on expensive creams and potions, but beautiful skin starts from within. Suffice it to say that, the skin is an outward expression of the inward content of a person hence what a person feeds on could either make or mar the appearance of the skin

Ayodele listed foods such as pawpaw, strawberries, sweet potatoes, black current, blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwifruits and oranges as such that are rich in Vit. C and could help produce the collagen needed to strengthen the capillaries that feed the skin.

The smoothness of the skin is better enhanced with the help of  sulphur which can be gotten from garlic and onion. Oily fish and plant sources like linseeds and flax oil are great too, while safflower and corn oils are very necessary for Omega 3 and essential fatty acids.

Vitamin E which works wonders on the skin could be gotten from Avocado, almonds, hazelnuts, pinenuts, sunflower and corn oil while constant intake of Liver, pumpkin, seeds, sardines and oysters would supply the body the required zinc for repair of damaged skin and for a soft and supple texture.

For Kalpana Sharma, you may forget about the “eight glass’ per day rule, but ensure you drink just enough that you don’t feel thirsty as the skin could get all flaky and dry when the body is not well hydrated.

For youthful skin, sunscreen remains a must. UV rays is the most common source of skin cancer and aging. Be it rains or sunshine, ensure a nicely smothered skin with sunscreen mostly applied 15 minutes before going out to enable the body absorb it properly.

The importance of having a moisturizing body lotion that includes a self tanner in this instance cannot be over-emphasised. It helps hide spider veins on legs while leaving a slimming effect all over.

The hands and neck must be treated like the face. Wash, cleanse and moisturize. Suitable creams must be applied on the neck and hands to ensure they glow as much as the facial skin.

Facials are not always the only options if you want a glowing face. Workouts help improve blood circulation and oxygen capacity so why not exercise always and enjoy a healthy glow.

To eat right, you must emphasise on Vitamins A,C & E because they help deal with skin issues.  Applying antioxidants on the skin also helps.

However, Paula Bourelly, MD, a dermatology professor at Georgetown University had said, “You can’t underestimate the value of genetics”

Yes, some people win the hereditary lottery when it comes to good skin; therefore Paula adds that not all skin is created equal.

While genes may not be ruled out in the determination of skin status, beautiful skin remains a function of good skin care habits practiced day-in-day-out.

Lady Ofiegbor Stella, a caterer, corroborates this in her statement, “people feel dry during the harmattan, but I am ever fresh because of the care I give to my skin.”

As a caterer, Lady Ofiegbor revealed that meals of high nutritional values could be very useful in combating skin dryness.

Meanwhile, studies have established that what is taken into the body and the amount of exposure of the skin to the sun, in no mean measure affect the look of the skin. For instance, more fine lines,  deeper and plentiful wrinkles as well as skins that are more mottled are often the identities of smokers who frequently expose their skin to sun.

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Beautiful skin defies harsh weather