Q: I keep getting dry, itchy and sore skin on my face, around my lips and on my hands. What can I do?

A: You need to rehydrate your skin and keep it that way. Use moisturisers containing cocoa or shea butter which are great for use on the hands and elbows. Always use a lip balm containing soothing aloe vera, apply calendula cream to painful areas and keep yourself hydrated with six large glasses of water a day.

You might be reacting to something you are eating so keep a diary to see if there is a food trigger. You can also do a mini detox over two weeks by avoiding wheat, dairy, alcohol, sugar and caffeine and adding in the herb milk thistle to improve liver function. Adding in a good Omega 3 oil supplement like fish oil, not cod liver oil, could be really helpful as the dryness could be an indication of an essential fatty acid deficiency.

• 1/2 an avocado or 2 teaspoons of avocado oil
• 4 tablespoons honey

Mash the 2 ingredients together. Apply to your skin and leave for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove with a flannel drenched in cool water.

Avocado is a naturally rich moisturiser. Combined with the antioxidant rich honey this mask should nourish your skin and provide it with the essential skin vitamins A, B1, B2 and D.