How to avoid dry skin

The Suspects:
 
                  Alcohol,Coffee, Poor, Diet

In the short term, alcohol can cause dehydration, which can cause dry skin.

“For women, the recommendation is no more than two standard drinks a day on average,” says dermatologist Ann-Maree Kurzydlo, who recommends limiting consumption and alternating alcoholic drinks with water. “One or two alcohol-free days should be had per week.”

Caffeine:

            is a diuretic and can also lead to dehydration of the skin - so steer clear of energy drinks as well as tea and coffee.

Meanwhile, dietitian Dr Joanna McMillan says diet can also play havoc with skin.

“A lack of fats in the diet can lead to dry skin, whereas good fats such as oily fish, avocado and olive oil deliver fat-soluble nutrients, are anti-inflammatory and promote skin health,” she says.

“Certain nutrients are important for the skin including vitamins A, C, E and many antioxidants. A diet rich in plant foods – veg, fruit, nuts, seeds, legumes and wholegrains – boosts intake of these factors.”

Discover more way to eat your way to healthy skin

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Top 10 Health Tips for Women

1. Zap your stress.

"The biggest issue I see in most of my patients is that they have too much on their plates and want to juggle it all. Stress can have significant health consequences, from infertility to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. Find the stress-reduction method that works for you and stick with it."

2. Stop dieting.

"Eating healthy doesn't mean you have to forgo your favorite glass of wine or a piece of chocolate cake now and then. The key is moderation. Get a mix of lean proteins, healthy fats, smart carbs, and fiber."

3. Don't “OD” on calcium.

"Too much absorbed calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones and may even increase the risk of heart disease. If you're under 50, shoot for 1,000 milligrams per day, while over-50 women should be getting 1,200 milligrams per day mainly through diet -- about three servings of calcium-rich foods such as milk, salmon, and almonds."

4. Do more than cardio.

"Women need a mix of cardio and resistance or weight-bearing exercise at least three to five times a week to help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Exercise also promotes good self-image, which is really important to a woman's mental health."

5. Think about fertility.

"While many women have no problem getting pregnant in their late 30s and even into their early 40s, a woman's fertility may start to decline as early as 32. So if you want to have kids, talk to your doctor about options, like freezing your eggs."

6. Appreciate birth control.

"Birth control gets a bad rap, but not only can it keep you from getting pregnant before you're ready, studies show it can lower the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer as well as regulate your cycle."

7. See your doctor every year.

Make sure you get a Pap test to check for cervical cancer every 3 years if you are 21 or older. If you are 30-65, you can get both a Pap test and HPV test every 5 years. Older than that, you may be able to stop testing if your doctor says you are low risk. If you are sexually active and have a higher risk for STDs, get tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis yearly. Take an HIV test at least once, more frequently if you’re at risk. Don't skip your yearly checkup. Your doctor needs to annually assess many other issues such as potential infection, your need for contraception, and sexual complaints."

8. Have good sex.

"Sex reduces stress and may lower the risk of chronic disease -- but only if you enjoy it. If anything prevents you from sexual fulfillment, such as dryness or pain, talk to your doctor to find a solution."

9. Get more sleep.

"Sleep needs differ, but if you have trouble getting out of bed, tire easily, or have trouble concentrating, you likely aren't getting enough. Recent studies suggest this can put you at greater risk of heart disease and psychological problems."

10. Consider genetic testing.

"Doctors can now screen people with a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and chronic diseases to assess their risk -- and then consider preventive measures. Talk to your doctor."

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Weight Loss success stories

Fasting Yields Rapid Results

                       

                  During my five-day fast, I lost 21 pounds. Most of it, of course, was excess salt and fluids. However, it had a huge effect on my health, appearance, and sense of well-being. My blood pressure dramatically declined. My blood sugar, which had been in the high-normal range, was lower; my cholesterol and triglycerides improved; and my energy returned. On a treadmill exercise stress test I took afterward, I performed as well as a healthy 30-year-old.

I Have No Doubt I Will Reach My Weight Loss Goal

I started on the mini-fast with exercise that you recommended (only a cup of coffee instead of breakfast and no food until lunch). When I began, my weight was 265. Now, less than three months later, my weight is 248—a drop of 17 pounds—and I am keeping it off without a struggle, just with a commitment to follow this simple regimen. My appetite is reduced, I rarely even want anything before lunch, and I eat less for lunch and dinner as well. I have no doubt I will reach my weight loss goal within several months. Thank you for showing me the way to manage my metabolic syndrome.

Terrific Results!

I’ve tried your ‘mini-fast’ program for almost seven months now with terrific results! I’ve reduced my weight from 210 to 196, mostly around the middle, and agree that it has been easily implemented, simple, logical, and inexpensive. I have always had a regular physical routine and eaten a well-balanced diet so the only difference was eliminating breakfast.

Clinical Results of the Mini-Fast With Exercise Program

Brian lost 31 pounds in eight weeks and is still going strong 16 weeks later. T.W. went from a size 16 to a size 12 in three months. Her clothes no longer fit, but she’s reluctant to buy new ones because she has no doubt she will lose more as she continues with the program. Jack, who was 80 pounds over his “fighting weight,” lost 29 pounds and nearly five inches off his waist. His wife shed 10 pounds, and her blood pressure fell into the normal range. Susan said goodbye to nine of the final 10 pounds she hadn’t been able to shake and reports she’s finally gotten rid of her “belly.” And J.G. not only lost significant weight, but his hemoglobin A1C, a marker of blood sugar control, declined.