If you have sensitive body skin, you may find that wearing certain textures, such as rough wools, can irritate vulnerable areas. (Many fabrics are highly absorbent and can "wick" the moisture out of skin, too.) And of course, what you wash your clothes in can also have an effect.
Biological washing powders are a problem for some of us, due to the enzymes in the formulation; however, there are now alternatives designed for sensitive skin or that are dermatologically tested, which are less likely to cause problems.
That said, if your skin is behaving badly, do take it as a warning sign that your whole body, not to mention your mind, may be out of whack, and pay attention. According to Dr Peter Pugliese, a skin physiologist, “in times of stress, skin gets the short end of the stick; Blood is directed to the major organs, so the result is a pale, ashen look that cans emphasis under eye circles.
Chronic strain slows cell turnover, allowing a build up of toxins, which make skin look sallow. Meanwhile, the production of adrenal hormones, including testosterone, can actually cause pimples; they increase the production of sebum, which not only plugs up pores, but provides nourishment for bacteria.
The sensible answer then is to reduce your inner stress in order that your skin is better able to cope. So aim to get more sleep. Eat a balanced diet, focussing especially on foods that are high in antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, which work to fight skin stressors from the inside out.
Make sure you're getting plenty of foods packed with essential fatty acids, such as oily fish and nuts, beans, seeds and certain vegetable oils, which nourish skin from within. Walk for 20 minutes each day and try to fit in a session of yoga at least once a week.
