Five life hacks for healthy skin

• itchy skin
• hair loss
• flaky, oily, or waxy patches on the scalp
• troublesome sweating
• scaly skin
• hand rashes

Other research showed that teenagers who reported high stress levels were 23 percent more likely to have severe acne.

The researchers suspect that stress increases the quantity of sebum, which is the oily substance that blocks pores. This, in turn, leads to greater acne severity.

Reducing your stress levels may lead to clearer skin. If you think that stress is having an impact on your skin, try stress reduction techniques such as tai chi, yoga, or meditation.

3. Keep moisture in the skin

Skin moisturizers keep the top layer of skin cells hydrated and seal in moisture. Moisturizers often contain humectants to attract moisture, occlusive agents to retain moisture in the skin, and emollients to smooth the spaces between skin cells.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following ways to keep moisture in and prevent dry, red, and itchy skin:

• Take one 5- to 10-minute shower or bath per day. Excessive washing can strip away the oily layer of the skin and dry it out.
• Use warm water instead of hot water.
• Minimize the use of harsh soaps. Use a gentle and fragrance-free cleanser.
• Stay away from abrasive scrub brushes, bath sponges, and washcloths that can damage the skin’s surface.
• Pat skin gently dry with a towel.
• Moisturize immediately after washing. To trap in moisture, ointments, lotions, and creams need to be applied within minutes of drying off.
• Use ointments or creams rather than lotions in order to minimize irritation.
• Never scratch the skin. Cold compresses and moisturizers should help to control itching.
• Wear non-irritating clothes. When wearing clothing made from wool or other rough materials, wear silk or cotton underneath.
• Use hypoallergenic laundry detergent.
• Avoid getting too close to fireplaces and other heat sources that can dry out skin.
• Switch on a humidifier in the winter to replenish moisture in the skin’s top layer.

Contact your dermatologist if these simple changes do not bring relief from dry skin. They can provide targeted treatment for your specific skin complaint.