Skin becomes dry when the moisture evaporates faster than it can be replenished and this occurs when the production of sebum, which contains oils that inhibit evaporation, diminishes as skin ages. Poor diet and environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, frequent contacts with chemicals and excessive bathing with harsh soaps may aggravate the condition.

A good balance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients is essential to maintain healthy looking skin. Vitamins C and E are great assets to the skin. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen and connective tissues to firm the skin while vitamin E has been shown to slow down the ageing of tissues. Supplementing your diet with these antioxidant nutrients and evening primrose oil may be a good start. Evening primrose oil provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential element of skin structure. GLA is reputed to boost moisture content and strengthen skin cells. Studies have demonstrated that 3g of evening primrose oil daily improves moisture content, elasticity as well as enhances the structure and function of normal healthy skin.

Avoid extensive use of harsh soaps and detergents. Hot baths or showers and high consumption of caffeinated beverages may also lead to dry skin. You may apply lotions containing aloe vera to restore skin moisture.

Eczema is an inflammation of upper layers of the skin. One of the most common forms of eczema in children is atopic eczema. Atopic eczema is often inherited and majority who have eczema also suffer from hay fever and asthma, or have family members who do. Some environmental factors may also trigger eczema outbreak such as:
• Chemical irritants (pesticides, harsh soaps and detergents)
• Physical irritants (clothes made of rough fabrics)
• Allergies (dust, pollen and animal dander)

In children, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, elbow and knee folds. It is most often characterised by dry, red itchy patches on the skin. Studies have shown that supplementation with evening primrose oil helps to relieve symptoms of eczema. Evening primrose oil provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and allows the formation of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) that reduces inflammation of the skin. Evening primrose oil that contains 12-14% of GLA is beneficial to reduce water loss and improve overall skin condition and function.

It is important to ensure that your daughter takes a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as plenty of water daily. Eliminate common allergens namely milk, eggs, tomatoes and citrus fruits from her daily diet if anyone of these is the culprit. Do avoid processed foods that are high in preservatives, colourings and flavourings as these foods can trigger a flare-up too.

Premature ageing is one of the conditions feared by many especially females who are in their mid-twenties. If one shows early appearance of the signs of ageing before old age, then it is simply known as premature ageing. It refers to the unnatural acceleration of the natural ageing process primarily due to damage from sun exposure and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Freckles, deep wrinkles, age spots and rough skin indicate premature ageing caused by years of unprotected exposure to the sun. Unhealthy lifestyle such as exposure to cigarette smoke will increase wrinkling and dryness of the skin. A poor diet is also a factor of premature ageing from the inside out. A diet which mainly consists of highly processed foods and alcohol along with insufficient intake of fresh fruits and vegetables accelerates the ageing process.

You can prevent signs of premature ageing by protecting your skin from the sun and adopting a healthier diet and lifestyle. Always use a good sunscreen (typical SPF 15) and apply it at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. Exercise tones muscles and helps promote blood flow which is necessary for healthy skin and body. If you are stress, take some time off and go for a spa or relaxing massage.

Evening Primrose Oil may help in a healthy skin. It provides omega-6 for modulation of membrane function. Besides that, supplements of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, E, zinc and selenium may also help to improve the condition and reduce the damage done by the free radicals onto the skin.