Mrs Irua had gotten tired of her skin. She experiences itching all over her body. Her smooth skin gets dotted with red marks once the itching starts. Sometimes, her body becomes covered with rashes. She had applied several home-made remedies she saw on YouTube and Google all that no avail. She was attending to one of the customers in her shop when her neighbor who sells clothes beside her commented on her skin.
'Madam Irua, what happened to your skin?' She asked.
'My dilemma, I must confess. I don't know why the skin is always itching me and getting red all the time, she replied! putting her customer's goods into a transparent black and yellow nylon.
customer interrupted 'I am sorry to interrupt your discussion. Have you tried using anything since it started?'
Mrs Irua let out a throaty laughter 'and added, “there is nothing I haven’t used. I have seen different doctors, and nothing seem to Come out from it. I have battled this long enough.
'Oh! Sorry about that. If you don't mind, I have a friend who can help you. She specializes in helping people achieve optimal health through lifestyle and diet. If you are interested, I can call her, and she would book a consultation with you' Her customer replied.
'That would be great! Thank you. I just hope I get a lasting solution to this unresolved skin problems.
Mrs Irua looked from her customer to her neighbor and after some time said 'Alright. I will. Please call her, let me know when she would be available.'
Skin sensitivities, otherwise known as sensitive skin, is a condition in which the skin cannot tolerate harsh conditions, chemicals or even some foods. It is easily irritated and is more reactive than usual. The skin may burn, sting, turn red or feel uncomfortable when exposed to triggers. There may also be appearance of rashes or hives. However, lifestyle and dietary changes can help to manage sensitive skin. Tips for dealing with skin sensitivities through diet and lifestyle include:
1. Identify triggers: Keep a record of the symptoms you experience and patterns or anything that triggers the symptoms.
2. Stay away from your trigger: After identifying what triggers your skin sensitivities, stay away from them. They could be food such as diary, wheat, soy or certain skincare products.
3. Eat nutritious foods: Eat foods that are rich in good nutrient. Incorporate vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins into your diet. Avoid processed foods, sugary snacks and foods high in preservatives as they trigger inflammation and worsen skin sensitivities.
4. Drink plenty water: Dehydration worsens skin sensitivities and leads to dry and irritated skin. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty water also helps to flush out toxins from the body. Avoid alohol and caffeine as they cause dehydration.
5. Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Foods such as berries, leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts and seeds are rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation and support healthy skin.
6. Manage stress effectively: Stress triggers and worsen skin sensitivities. Engage in hobbies that make you feel relaxed and de-stressed.
7. Use gentle skincare products: Choose and use skincare products that are free of harsh chemicals, fragrances and dyes that can irritate sensitive skin.
8. Protect your skin from sun: Wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin from ultraviolet damage which can worsen skin sensitivities and cause premature aging. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
Making changes to your diet and lifestyle to combat skin sensitivities has been proven to be effective. You can improve the health of your skin by trying out these tips.
NB: We are bio individuals which is to say not all size fits all. Prioritizing yourself and your journey with the support and guidance of a health coach will further help in your progress and such a person would be able to get detailed information about themselves that could facilitate results.