Here is how to take care of your skin
Your heart, lungs, or kidneys are probably the first ones that come into your mind when you think about vital organs. But what about the one that’s always got you covered? Literally.
Your skin is not about looks; it’s the first line of protection. It shields us from harmful invaders, regulates our temperature, and plays a huge role in our overall health.
Taking care of your skin is not only about making it glow. It’s about feeling good both inside and out. So, let’s dive into what makes your skin an incredibly powerful ally and how you can give it well-deserved care.
What does your skin do?
More than covering you, your skin is a hardworking, active organ that’s up to 15% of your body weight.
Board-certified dermatologist and author Dr. Kemunto Mokaya says “You can’t think of skin as just a wrapping—it’s a complex and essential organ system with many critical roles.”
Your skin is crucial in defending your body by supporting your immune system; it shields and protects your internal organs; it’s responsible for regulating your temperature by releasing sweat, and it can produce vitamin D for healthy bones and immunity. Moreover, our skin generates melanin, which influences our skin tone and protects against UV rays. You can sense textures, temperatures, and even pain through touch.
Your skin: the ultimate protection
The epidermis, the outermost layer of our skin, acts as the body’s first line of defense. It stops harmful organisms in their tracks. “Intact skin can prevent pathogens from gaining a foothold,” according to Dr. Barry Goldman, a dermatologist at Cornell Medical Center. He explains that when the skin barrier is disrupted, bacteria and viruses can sneak in and lead to infection.
Even when germs manage to get through, your skin doesn’t back down. A 2020 review showed that skin cells send signals helping the body recognize and attack pathogens.
Epidermal keratinocytes can produce proteins and peptides with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. White blood cells are constantly patrolling our skin, always ready to fight off invaders. When it comes to keeping your skin hydrated and soft, the sebaceous glands are the ones secreting natural oils able to form an extra barrier against foreign substances.
Your skin, a body armor
Our skin doesn’t stop at fighting germs; it shields what’s underneath. The hypodermis, called the subcutis, is packed with fat, and built as a shock absorber. If the body experiences trauma, this fat layer acts like a cushion by absorbing the impact, so it protects muscles, bones, and organs. So, your skin is not just wrapping; it’s a layer of armor able to keep your internal world safe from external, harmful factors.
Sweat is more than the post-workout glow
You can take sweat as a sign of working hard, but it’s more than this. It’s your body’s natural cooling system, preventing the body from overheating. Our body produces sweat through two types of glands:
The eccrine glands are found all over the body, and they open directly onto the skin surface. The apocrine glands are located in the scalp, armpits, and groin, releasing sweat into hair follicles.
Can you actually sweat out toxins?
- A 2016 study found that exercising regularly comes with lower levels of heavy metals.
- A 2011 study suggests that sweat can eliminate bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in plastics.
- A 2019 review called for more research to determine if sweat plays a major role in detoxification.
Even if science isn’t settled yet, one thing is for sure: sweating is essential to keep your body healthy and balanced. Whether it’s from a hot day or a workout, embrace the sweat!
Your skin: more than meets the eye
As we said, the skin plays a crucial role in your body’s overall function, from sensing the world around you to producing essential nutrients.
Our skin is a key factor in vitamin D synthesis. When it’s exposed to sunlight, it kickstarts the production of vitamin D, which is essential for supporting bone health, helps with immune function, offers protection against skin cancers, and assists in managing psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Moreover, our skin tone is determined by a pigment in the epidermis called melanin. Other than influencing color, melanin has the role of acting like a natural shield against UV radiation, helping to reduce the risk of sunburn, slowing down premature aging, and maintaining collagen and skin elasticity.
How to care for your skin
With so many skincare products, you can feel overwhelmed by the endless options. The truth is, taking care of your skin shouldn’t be a complicated process or a costly one. The best care comes from simple steps that might surprise you.
Care from the inside out:
What you eat plays an important role in the way your skin looks and feels. According to Dr. Kemunto Mokaya, a healthy diet is crucial to support your skin’s health.
Antioxidants like dark leafy greens, berries, and other colorful veggies and fruits fight off free radicals and damage. Healthy fats found in foods such as walnuts, salmon, or chia seeds are packed with monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats, strengthening your skin’s natural barrier.
You can enjoy probiotics and prebiotics in foods such as yogurt for probiotics and high-fiber veggies and fruits, as they can enhance your skin’s defenses.
To keep your skin in top shape, limit highly processed and sugary foods. There are many studies that found links between high-sugar diets and acne, as well as conditions such as atopic dermatitis and processed foods.
Your skin needs
To get glowing skin, dermatologists recommend a gentle cleanser fitting your skin’s type and needs, a moisturizer to keep your skin balanced and hydrated, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen, no matter the season. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is usually a good option if your skin doesn’t face specific issues.
Unexpected self-care tips to boost your skin health
When it comes to taking care of your skin, it’s not only about what you apply but also about how you live. Some unexpected details can do wonders for your skin.
A good workout can increase blood flow, nourishing your skin. After you sweat, use a cleanser with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to prevent breakouts and clear pores.
Because our skin regenerates while we sleep, aim for at least 7 hours of sleep to support the repair process.
Go outside! Getting outside helps to hydrate your skin and moreover reduce stress, often a culprit for acne. Indoor air can be dry, especially in winter.
Taking care of your skin is all about building healthy habits and showing it the love it deserves for protecting you so well. So, use simple steps, nourish from the inside out, and watch it thrive!
Even more tips to support your skin
- Declutter Your Vanity Cabinet
- Get Warmer in the Shower (95°F and 99°)
- Find the Right Sunscreen
- Dress for Safe Sun Success
- Learn Your Skin Type to Use the Right Products
- Consider a Vitamin D Supplement.
- Reduce Smoking
- De-Stress
Healthy fats and antioxidants in your diet - Regular exercise
Your skin is a powerhouse that not only protects your body but also reflects your overall health. While embracing simple, mindful habits, like choosing a skincare routine personalized to your skin type, eating nutritious foods, and managing stress—you’re investing in your skin’s resilience, so you can make sure it continues to perform its superhero duties every day.
Read next: Daily Habits to Improve Your Mental Health – Scientists Advice
