Karachi: 26 February 2021: Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. So keep it gentle:Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.

Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.

Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor.

Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.

Moisturize dry skin. f your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.Frozen peas help soothe itchy, irritated eyes for Jeanine Downie, MD, a derm in Montclair, NJ. “Once I get home from work, I remove my skincare and put a bag of frozen peas on my lids for about 5 minutes.”

The cold helps reduce swelling and pigmentation, a side effect of repeated irritation from her eczema. Unlike inflexible ice packs, a bag of peas easily conforms to the shape of the eyes for a faster effect.

The first meal of the day for New York City derm Doris Day, MD, includes almonds. “They contain essential fatty acids, which help put the brakes on inflammation that accelerates fine lines, sagging, and blotchiness.” Not feeling like a nut? Salmon, tuna, and halibut are good lunch/dinner sources.