Our skin is an outward indicator of our overall health, and it's worth taking extra care to keep it in tiptop condition. Right from newborn, there's plenty of skin care tips you can use to nourish and soothe all the family's skin.
A newborn's skin is five times more sensitive than an adult's, so it's important to take great care of it. Start by ensuring you don't use hot water for your baby's bath: it should feel just comfortably warm when you test it with your elbow. A plain bath is all your baby needs: he may demand bubbles when he's a toddler, but for now keep it simple.
You don't need any fancy products specially formulated for babies' skins: these tend to be costly and may also be perfumed, which can cause sensitivity. The best thing to look for is a plain moisturiser or oil that is unperfumed and hypo-allergenic. Use it on your baby's skin when it's still dewy from his bath. This will help it to retain moisture and keep it supple.
You can also use a simple moisturiser or oil to massage your baby if he enjoys this. Choose a time when he's well fed, has had time to digest his meal and is relaxed and happy without being too sleepy. You can ask your health visitor for advice on baby massage techniques, or check out our feature by following this link
Toddler and child
You can still treat your toddler's skin as you did when he was a baby, but now he may ask for bubble baths and other additives. Avoid those which contain lots of chemicals: you can buy plain, unperfumed products for sensitive skins, and these will be best for your child. If you do want to try colour-change or other novelty bubbles, watch out for any skin reaction afterwards.
He may not enjoy massage as much as he did as a baby - chances are you won't get him to stay in one place for long enough! - but it's still worth trying to moisturise his skin when he'll let you: concentrate on those parts of him which are most exposed to the elements. You should also be applying a sunscreen all year round.
Teenager
Teens are likely to experience a few skin changes as they develop. They may be prone to acne or spots; boys may find that their face becomes greasy in places and that they develop a rash when they first start shaving. A soothing facial balm can help with shaving discomfort. If your son is prone to spots, look for one without lots of chemicals or perfume.
A soothing facial balm can help with shaving discomfort. If he is prone to spots, look for one without lots of chemicals or perfume.
A gentle, unperfumed facial scrub or other cleanser can improve the general condition of teenage skin, and a moisturiser for sensitive skin will also help. Your teen may feel that moisturising will make skin feel greasier, but in fact everyone's skin can benefit from added moisture, and as long as it is a non-oily formulation, it won't contribute to the problem.
Adult
Both men and women can benefit from a regular skincare routine. A great range of products is available for both sexes. Choose a cleanser and moisturiser that suits your skin type and stick with it. There's no truth in the adage that changing beauty products keeps your skin/hair/nails more healthy! A good exfoliating product is also worth investing in. Use it once a week to slough off dead skin cells that can make your skin tone appear dull and uneven.
Your body needs extra attention as you age, too: body brushing in the shower will stimulate the circulation, and moisturising all over will also improve the appearance. There are some fabulous self-tanning moisturisers on the market that are so subtle you won't suffer from streaking or over-colouring. They're competitively priced and will help to give you a gorgeous sunkissed glow all year round without looking fake.
If you both enjoy massage, take the opportunity to super-moisturise your skin right after a bath or shower. Baby oil is a great product for skins of all ages and types. Allow it to sink into your skin after applying.
Seasonal care
Cold weather skin care
When the weather is cold and windy, you may find areas of your skin becoming chapped, especially your lips and other parts of your face. You can help to prevent this happening by slicking on a thin film of petroleum jelly. This not only protects against the drying effects of wind and low temperatures, but will also help to retain moisture.
Central heating can take its toll on your skin, drying it out and leaving it looking patchy. Applying all-over moisturiser daily may seem like a chore, but it's worth considering as it can help protect against the ravages of heating and air conditioning alike.
Hot weather skin care
Whether abroad or in this country, when the sun is hot, all the family's skin is vulnerable. It's vital that we all protect ourselves with sunscreen - preferably all year round, as the sun's rays are still harmful even on cloudy, cooler days. For kids, this means slapping on a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 35 or above; adults should wear at least SPF 15. Remember, self-tan products don't contain any protection.
Very hot weather can also take its toll on lips, cheeks and hands. A thin layer of petroleum jelly over these sensitive areas of skin will help protect them from drying out and chafing. If you're swimming on holiday, it will also create a water-resistant seal over these parts of your skin.
Eat and drink your way to healthy skin
The best way of keeping your skin hydrated is by drinking two litres (around eight glasses) of water or water-diluted drinks each day (fizzy drinks don't count). This will also benefit your other organs, and can help you to maintain a healthy weight, too.
Eating a balanced diet rich in fish oils, nuts and seeds, and vitamin A (broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach and kale) has also been proven to improve the skin's appearance.
