You can get clues about the health of your hair by looking for telltale signs of damage.
If your hair is losing a lot (more than 50 to 100 strands per day), this could be a sign of stress or something else that may require medical evaluation.
Having a baby recently, having a high fever, or having surgery can also lead to excessive hair loss, but this usually resolves on its own over time.
If your hair looks dull, has split ends, tangles or breaks easily, and lacks elasticity (doesn’t spring back when you pull gently), these could also be signs of hair damage.
Hair is more vulnerable to damage when wet. Using a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair will help prevent unnecessary breakage. It’s also best to use a shampoo designed specifically for your hair type. For example, if you have oily hair, use a clarifying shampoo to prevent buildup.
When you shampoo, focus on applying it to the scalp where there is oil and buildup. Over-washing the lengths of your hair can make them brittle and dull.
When conditioning, focus on the ends of your hair to prevent split ends and make your hair stronger and shinier. Conditioning all of your hair can make it look limp.
Other strategies to improve hair health include:
limit the use of heating tools limit how often you dye or perm protect your hair while swimming protect your hair from ultraviolet radiation and pollution
Your skin is your largest organ and first line of defense against infection, so it’s very important to take excellent care of it.
Certain habits that can negatively affect your skin include:
Smoking Excessive alcohol consumption A non-nutritious diet Poor water intake Going out in the sun without adequate sun protection Using tanning beds Uncontrolled stress
Poor skin cleansing techniques can also affect skin health. Rubbing skin until it’s “squeaky” clean strips away important natural oils and causes irritation, which can worsen conditions like acne.
Some things you can do to keep your skin healthy and slow skin aging include:
Drink a lot of water. Eat foods rich in antioxidants. Restrict alcohol consumption. Avoid tobacco products. Use adequate sun protection, especially between 10 am and 4 pm Avoid tanning beds. Use gentle skin care practices.
Additionally, certain cosmeceuticals (cosmetic products with bioactive ingredients believed to have medicinal properties), such as topical vitamin C, can prevent wrinkles, skin discoloration, and UV damage when used in combination with a sunscreen. broad spectrum sun.
Gently cleanse your skin morning, night, and any time you sweat more than normal, like after a hard workout. Use a moisturizer designed for your skin type after cleansing to help prevent dryness and keep the skin barrier intact.
Lastly, don’t pop, pick or touch your face unnecessarily to avoid infection and scarring – popping pimples is a dermatologist’s nightmare!
If your nails are constantly breaking and chipping, it probably means that your nails are brittle and weak. Certain nail procedures can cause nail thinning and damage, such as acrylic nail application.
Opting for a regular manicure or not wearing nail polish can help rebuild and strengthen your nails.
Also, exposing your nails to excessive moisture can cause them to dry out and break easily.
Finally, certain nail disorders can also cause brittle nails. If you’re concerned about the health of your nails, a dermatologist can help you figure out what might be going on.
Taking good care of your nails is super important. Here are some things you can do to keep them strong and healthy:
Avoid keeping your nails wet: They are more likely to break down and dry out with constant exposure to water. Wearing gloves while washing dishes can help.Cut your nails in a straight line: Also, use a nail file to avoid inconvenience. Do not bite your nails: This can damage them and possibly lead to infections.
Eating a balanced diet can also help strengthen nails, as some nutrients, such as biotin, play a role in nail health.
There isn’t a lot of evidence that biotin supplementation can help people who don’t already have a biotin deficiency, but getting enough through diet can help ensure your nails stay healthy.
Food sources of biotin include:
meateggsalmondssweet potatoes
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking biotin supplements, especially if you are having a blood test. Biotin supplements can interfere with certain laboratory tests, such as thyroid and troponin levels (an important cardiac enzyme in the treatment of heart attacks).
Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can help improve hair, skin, and nails.
Antioxidants help fight free radical damage that can wreak havoc on hair, skin, and nails. Tasty food sources of antioxidants include blueberries and dark chocolate.
The evidence regarding biotin for hair, skin, and nail health is still unclear, but eating a varied diet will help you get natural sources of biotin without the need for supplements.
Finally, drinking plenty of water can prevent dry skin by increasing skin hydration.
To keep your hair looking healthy, avoid combing and styling your hair while it’s wet, which can lead to breakage. The following can also cause hair damage:
hot hair toolstight hairstyleshair dyeschemical perms
To maintain healthy skin, avoid the following:
using tanning beds not using broad spectrum sunscreen using abrasive skin care products popping pimples
Lack of sun protection can also put you at risk for future skin cancers and accelerate skin aging.
As for nail habits to avoid, routine acrylic nail application can thin and damage your nails. Additionally, trimming the cuticle during a manicure or pedicure puts you at risk for infections, as the cuticle provides a natural defense against bacteria and fungus.
Dr. Joan Paul is an ABMS board-certified dermatologist specializing in psoriasis, skin cancer, skin of color, and global health. She has also completed seven medical missions to the countries of Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Malawi, Uganda, India, and Botswana.
Source: news.google.com