Friday 8 July 2016

The Skin

"The beauty of the skin is that you can affect it from both inside and out," 

The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. The skin protects us from microbes and the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and permits the sensations of touch, heat, and cold.

Skin has three layers:
The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone.
The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.
The skin’s colour is created by special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. Melanocytes are located in the epidermis.

The exposed layer of skin we're slathering with lotions, creams, toners, scrubs and cleansers is called the epidermis -- it's the outermost of the three layers of skin. The epidermis is the most vulnerable to environmental damage, typically UV light that can leave it discoloured and old-looking; and skin in general undergoes an ageing process that can leave it looking dull, wrinkled and dry. 


What You Eat Matters
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants is good for your whole body, including your skin.
Antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins C, E, and A can curb the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. These molecules can harm skin cells and cause signs of ageing.
One of the best ways to get more antioxidants is to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
I recommend going for as much variety and colour as possible in your diet, try snacking on blueberries, strawberries, grapefruit, kale, spinach, and different kinds of peppers.
Another good idea is to stock your grocery cart with foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, including wild salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, and walnuts.
Omega-3 fatty acids help keep the top outer layer of the skin strong and intact so that external toxins and pollutants are kept out.

What About Supplements?
The ideal way to get the nutrients you need for a radiant complexion is eating a healthy, balanced diet.
but also taking an over-the-counter daily multivitamin with minerals to boost your nutrient intake can be very beneficial. It's also a good idea if you spend a lot of time outdoors or are exposed to high levels of air pollution and secondhand smoke.

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