Dr Paul Orhii, the Director General of NAFDAC was the special guest speaker at the launch of ‘World Skin Health Day’, part of the 8th Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists. He was unable to attend but a representative read out his address where he laid out the best ways to keep our skin in tip top shape.
- SUNLIGHT: The cheapest and easiest way to keep skin healthy is to stay out of the sun. Constant exposure can cause drying, wrinkling, and more seriously, skin cancer. Although skin cancer is less likely in those with black skin, it still occurs. It’ may seem difficult to limit exposure to the sun in Nigeria but there are ways to protect yourself, namely avoiding going outside when the sun is high and using sunblock or moisturiser with SPF.
- SOAP UP: When showering, soap should stay on the skin for at least 20 seconds before it’s washed off to ensure it cleanses the skin.
- GENTLY DOES IT: Over-scrubbing the skin or scrubbing the skin too harshly can cause micro tears and abrasions. Such tears will not heal immediately and leave room for pores to become clogged with dirt.
- HANDS ON: The number one way to prevent disease is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water often, again, make sure the soap stays on for at least 20 seconds.
- HANG LOOSE: Wearing clothes that are too tight can be harmful to the skin, as it has nowhere to excrete toxins which could cause a build up.
- WATER: Human beings are made up of 70% water so it is important we stay hydrated, especially in a hot climate. It’s recommended you drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to replace what you lose and to flush out toxins.
- BALANCED DIET: You are what you eat as the old adage says, maintaining a healthy diet full of fruit and vegetables, does wonders for the skin.
- EXERCISE: What is a diet without exercise? A part of a healthy lifestyle, exercise gets your blood pumping, also good for the skin.
- DON’T LIGHTEN UP: Skin bleaching/lightening is a phenomenon that has a strong following in many parts of the world. Many of the creams have been ruled by various agencies as dangerous, some creams contain mercury that has been linked to psychological damage, liver disease acne and cancer.