Be Kind to Your Skin

Whether or not you believe in global warming, you will probably have noticed that we’re in for a rather hot and humid summer. Working in an office can be unpleasant at the best of times, but wearing office dress clothing during the summer is, for many people, their skin’s worst nightmare. Why not treat your skin to some nice, breathable, silk shirts and silk gloves?

If you suffer from dermatitis, eczema, or any other skin conditions, then wearing silk shirts could be the solution to many of your skin problems. The problem with many synthetic materials is that they are clingy and not very breathable. This leads to a build-up of sweat which can aggravate many skin conditions. Wearing silk gloves instead of hybrid nylon/polyester and wool ones will prevent the delicate skin of your hands from being irritated, and silk shirts can protect your wrists and neck from a build-up of sweat and bacteria.

Of course, you need to take good care of silk gloves and silk shirts. While silk is a fairly strong material, it also tends to stain and crease easily. Many people get around this by wearing silk gloves as liners for gloves made of leather or other materials.
When it comes to silk shirts, fitting protectors in the armpits can ensure that your shirts don’t get unsightly tide marks on them. Also, wearing trousers with a fairly loose waistband is a good idea. This will prevent any bunching and creasing at the bottom of your shirt, and has the added bonus of ensuring that your waistline is not irritated by overly tight belts or elastic.
For some people, just wearing looser, more breathable clothing is not enough. If you find that you still have problems, then make sure that all garments that come in direct contact with your skin are washed daily. Also, bathe every day using a very mild soap (some harsher soaps, shower gels, and bubble-baths can make skin irritations worse), and make sure that you dry yourself completely before getting dressed again. You may also want to try some ointments designed for skin conditions. Ask your pharmacist for advice about these. For some people, a mild cream such as E45 is sufficient, but others may need a medicated product that is only available from behind the counter. Once your skin has cleared up, stick with the habits that produced this result, to avoid any problems reoccurring.

Whatever you do, take good care of your skin this summer. Even if your complexion is behaving itself right now, it’s worth looking after yourself for the future. Drink plenty of water, take a multi-vitamin, and don’t forget to put sun block on before you go outside! When the weather gets cooler, and you decide to get out your silk gloves, be sure to moisturise frequently to protect your skin from the elements. These small good habits will keep your skin in great condition, no matter what the time of the year.

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