Skin Health – What Skin Needs To Be Healthy
Timaru Courier Column - July/August 2014
The skin is an organ, like the brain and heart. It is the largest organ in the human body. When it is stretched out it averages two square metres and makes up around 15% of your total weight.
Just like any other organ in our body it needs the same things to keep it healthy, namely good nutrition, exercise, sleep, TLC (no that’s not a fancy skincare ingredient but simply tender, loving care) and no exposure to pollutants such as smoking. In addition, and unique to the skin, it also needs a great skin care regime. 30,000 dead skin cells are shed every minute, which is why around 50% of the dust in your home is dead skin cells.
Skin Nutrition
Our diet, particularly a balanced diet containing enough fruit and vegetables (see www.everybody.co.nz for healthy eating guidelines) contain numerous vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Excess fatty foods are not only bad for our waist and heart, but also decrease the production of collagen and elastin in our skin, making it dull looking and loose.
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, which improves blood flow to promote healthier skin. In addition exercise improves our mood, confidence and quality of sleep. There is thought to be a strong link between our mood and the functioning of our body, with stress known to worsen some skin conditions as an example of this.
Sleep
More cortisol (a stress hormone) is released when you don’t get enough sleep. In excess, cortisol can break down collagen, which is what keeps skin smooth and elastic. Lack of sleep also causes reduced amounts of growth hormone. Growth hormone helps thicken skin amongst other benefits.
Tender Loving Care (Great Skin Care)
Our skin is delicate and needs attention to work effectively. When we cleanse our skin with effective, natural cleansers, we wash away toxins, e.g. smoke and pollution etc. Serums and moisturisers help keep skin hydrated and softer, promoting a healthier and more youthful appearance.
Specific skin problems, such as rosacea, acne, pigmentation and dehydration needs more targeted treatment with specialist skin care. Osmosis is a scientifically formulated, medical range designed to treat all skin conditions and slow down ageing.
In order to learn about the right treatment plan for your skin type, consult with a reputable Cosmetic Doctor or Skin Consultant. Without correct information on how to treat your specific skin issues, you could actually be doing more harm than good. Finally remember, prevention is always better than cure. Healthy skin can be here to stay!!!!
