Your skin is very important to your life even if you aren’t wholly aware of it. It protects you from natural elements, holds you body together and helps in the central functions of your body every day. Your skin helps you in many ways such as regulating you body temperature and flushing your body of harmful toxins, without it you would be in a bit of a pickle. Because of all this it is important to care for your skin and ensure that it is healthy, vibrant and functional so that your body is the same.
What is the Purpose of Skin and What is it Made Up Of?
Skin is comprised of three layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat. The epidermis helps to regenerate new skin cells that are lost by the thousands every day as well as creating melanin that gives skin is pigmentation and protects it from UV rays. The dermis is just below the epidermis and is made up of elastin and collagen that help support the epidermis layer as well as support blood vessels, nerve endings and oil glands within the skin. Last is the subcutaneous fat layer which keeps you warm as well as cushions your inner organs from external forces. Each one plays a part in the normal functioning of your body and are reliant on the other layers to work properly.
What is Skin Damage and What Causes It?
Skin damage can be caused by a variety of things from the sun to unhealthy habits like smoking, bad eating habits, etc. The most damaging to your skin is of course the sun and it causes minute DNA damage to the skin with each exposure to it. Occasional exposure is okay, but prolonged exposure without any form of protection can be extremely damaging and is not recommended. When the skin is damaged it can lead to skin cancer, sun spots, a thinning of the skin, the body being more susceptible to free radicals (elements that cause cancer and diseases in the body) and more.
How Can You Protect Your Skin and What is a Proper Skin Care Routine?
Skin care is all about making smart choices by following a skin care routine to protect and moisturize it daily. The most important way to protect skin is by guarding it against the sun such as wearing clothing that covers the skin when outside and wearing sunscreen. Many people during the summer sit out in the sun to get a “healthy” tan, but tans are anything but healthy and should be avoided if at all possible. Besides sun protection, proper skin care involves moisturizing the skin regularly, eating a healthy diet to help the body replenish the nutrients it needs to function properly and protecting it from the elements such as wearing properly clothing during the winter, etc.
