Unraveling The Skin: The Need for Prevention and Maintenance

The skin is one of the largest organs in the body.  The skin is an organ of the body just like our liver, kidneys etc.   Most people think of the skin as simply a cover for the body and do not tend to associate it with the rest of the system.  As with all the other organs in our body, the skin has a variety of highly specialized functions to fulfil.  Whilst there may be conditions in which the skin is specifically involved, it plays its part in every kind of illness.  The skin may have to carry the burden of other ill-functioning organs when the system is under strain.

The Structure of the Skin

As mentioned previously the skin is one of the biggest organs of the body and a man has approximately 1.5 square meters of skin.  The skin consists of two distinct layers.  The outer layer is known as the epidermis and the layer beneath which is known as the dermis.

The outer layer (epidermis) is the really protective layer and is thicker in parts where protection is most needed, such as on the soles of the feet.

The under layer (dermis) is also designed to give protection, as well as provide a variety of other functions.  In the dermis we find the nerves, blood and lymph vessels, together with the sweat and sebaceous glands and other specialized cells.

Our skin is one of the most important organs of the body depends for its health on our whole internal system functioning well.

The Digestive System and the Skin

As the skin covers the body we do not relate it directly to the digestive process.  However, to try to understand the true function of the skin and thus take care of it, we must recognize the fact that it is closely associated with the nutrition of the entire body.  It is clearly evident, that the maintenance of healthy skin is directly and extremely dependent on the dietary habits of an individual.  Therefore, the state of the skin can be affected more quickly through this medium than in any other way.

The habit of overeating, especially of sugary foods, will affect the skin more dramatically and quickly than people would imagine. Conversely, ‘under-eating’ certain types of food, thus leading to a deficiency in vitamins and minerals will lead to skin problems and disorders.  If we do not eat a balanced diet and our diet is very lopsided, then this will lead to problems which will be shown on our skin.  Crucially, all of these skin problems and conditions are end-results and need no direct treatment.  More importantly they need tackling at their source i.e. in the disorders of the digestive system.

Therefore, the conclusion of this is that the health of the skin must be considered in direct relationship to the food that we eat.

IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTION AND MAINTENANCE

When it comes to skincare, many people don’t think about it until they start to see the first signs of wrinkles, usually sometime in their thirties.  Although paying attention to skincare is beneficial at any age, it is important to learn the basics of good skincare as early as possible, and make it a routine.  Many times, however, people just don’t know where to start.  With all the beauty products on the market, and all the claims of their cleansing and anti-ageing benefits, how can we figure out the best skincare regimens for ourselves?  There have been many strides made in the field of skincare, and some new skincare products combined with some old, tried-and-true methods of care can help anyone keep their skin in the best shape possible.

1. Skincare from the inside out – One thing that a lot of people don’t realize is that skincare is more than just keeping your skin clean and applying the right kinds of creams. The skin is an organ – the largest organ of the body – and all the organs of the body need good nutrition to function properly. With today’s fast-food diets and busy lifestyles, where many peoples’ idea of a meal is grabbing a quick bite on the way in or out the door, it’s no wonder that there is a nutritional crisis going on.  When it comes to skincare, proper nutrition should be the first thing that we think of.  Eating healthy foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive or canola oil can go a long way in helping the skin stay healthy and supple.  A good quality vitamin and mineral supplement each day can help too, especially for busy people who don’t watch their diets as closely as they should.  To be healthy, the skin needs the right balance of vitamins and minerals, especially the B vitamins, anti-oxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.  Proper eating habits and vitamin and mineral supplementation should be considered the first and most essential beauty products and anti-ageing products on our lists.
2. The Importance of Prevention in Skin Care – It is much harder for skincare beauty products and anti-ageing products to work when we don’t work to prevent many skincare problems. Good nutrition is one way to do this, but we also need to do more. One of the most damaging elements to the skin is the sun.  Not so long ago, people regarded a nice tan as a sign of healthy skin. Today, most of us know that too much exposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun and even the so-called “safe” UVA rays that come from tanning booths is extremely damaging, and dangerous, to the skin.  UV and UVA rays cause premature ageing of the skin, and can also cause other skin conditions such as rashes, inflammation, and skin cancer.  A good quality sun block lotion is an essential beauty product to have on hand at all times – with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunblock should be worn all the time when you are outside – ultraviolet rays are still present even on cloudy days – and should be reapplied whenever necessary.  Hats work well for shielding our faces from the sun, as well as trying to always sit in the shade and not directly in the sun.
3. Cleaning – Keeping skin clean is essential for good skin care. A mild soap that doesn’t dry the skin can be good, and there are several beauty products on the market that focus on safe skin cleansing. Your skin should be cleansed before applying or reapplying any creams or lotions, and any make-up used on the face should be as clean as possible.
4. Creams and Lotions – Today there are a variety of creams and lotions on the market that is very helpful for skincare. Beauty products and anti-ageing products for the skin have been developed over the years that can help the skin renew itself, that can prevent or reduce wrinkles, help prevent or reduce other signs of skin ageing, and clear up acne and other debilitating skin conditions. Exfoliating skin creams help the skin slough off old skin cells and produce newer, more resilient skin cells. Certain moisturizers not only keep the skin supple, they can also help the skin rejuvenate itself, and can soften or plump lines and wrinkles, making them noticeably smoother and less apparent. There are creams and lotions for specific areas of the face and body, such as creams for the delicate area around the eyes, the thicker and rougher area of the elbow, or the vulnerable area of the neck.  There are non-prescription and prescription creams that can be extremely helpful for clearing up acne and blackheads.

One of the best things that you can do is consult a dermatologist to figure out the best beauty regimen for your skin type.  With all the wonderful beauty products and anti-ageing products on the market, as well as some knowledge about nutrition and preventative skincare, your skin can look its best for a very long time.