Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (192 page)
Read Gillian McKeith's Food Bible Online
Authors: Gillian McKeith
Swap foaming cleansers and soaps for gentler lotion or skin cleansers and instead of vigorous exfoliation (which can remove some of the skin’s protective barrier function), use a gentler exfoliant instead. Use a richer moisturizer and you’ll notice an immediate difference in the way your skin feels.
Do exercise. Exercise activates and rejuvenates the skin, improving circulation and blood flow. Also, body sweat triggers the production of sebum, which is the skin’s own natural moisturizer.
Protect your skin when you go outside. Exposed skin suffers in winter, so cover up as much as you can. Gloves, scarves, hats, and mufflers will keep you warm. Don’t forget that your skin is still at risk from sun damage during the winter, so make sure your lip balm has an SPF of at least 15 and use it liberally.
Get adequate sleep. Sleep helps to maintain oxygen levels and promotes renewal of skin cells, thus delaying the winter degenerative skin ageing that usually sets in during the cold season.
Apply manuka honey three times a week to your face (or any other part of your skin). Leave the honey on the skin for approximately 30 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. It will leave your skin soft, supple, and youthful.
ECZEMA
Eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is a skin condition that can affect people of all ages. In the UK one in five children and one in 12 adults are affected by it. According to research, 60 to 70 percent of children grow out of the condition by the time they reach their midteens.
Eczema can vary in severity and can develop on any part of the body but typically occurs on the face, neck, scalp, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. Mild forms leave the skin dry, itchy, and inflamed, while in more severe cases the skin can become raw and broken, causing it to weep or bleed. Although eczema may sometimes look nasty, it is not contagious.
SYMPTOMS
Rash.
Itching.
Dry, flaky skin.
Redness and inflammation.
Blisters.
Bleeding or weeping.
CAUSES
The causes of eczema are varied and there are several different types.
Atopic eczema
Atopic eczema is the most common form and is often hereditary. It is a chronic condition thought to be caused by an overactive immune response to environmental allergens such as dust mites and animal hair, or to dietary allergens. It can be exacerbated by stress, emotional upset, nutritional deficiencies, or changes in weather. Symptoms include itchiness, dryness, inflammation, and scaling. Constant scratching can cause the skin to split and bleed, leaving it susceptible to infection. Individuals who suffer from atopic eczema often tend to have problems with asthma and hay fever as well.
Most people with eczema have food allergies, and once these have been identified, avoidance of the trigger foods can lead to a significant improvement. There are two types of food allergies: Type A and Type B. Type A reactions occur immediately after contact with an allergen. Type B reactions can occur between one and 72 hours later.
Allergic contact dermatitis
This type of eczema develops when the body’s immune system reacts to a material in contact with the skin. The allergic reaction often comes about over time through recurring contact with a substance to which the person has developed a specific sensitivity. For example, a reaction may occur to nickel, which is found in cheap jewelry, belt buckles, and jeans buttons. It arises several hours after contact with the material and settles down again within a few days once the skin is no longer in contact with it.
Irritant contact dermatitis
This type of eczema is caused by regular contact with everyday substances, such as soaps, detergents, and other chemical-based products that are irritating to the skin. Unlike allergic contact dermatitis, the immune system is not involved and it can be prevented by avoiding the irritants.