Our Largest Organ…Skin Protection and Care

The skin serves primarily as a protective barrier, being the first line of defense against dangerous bacteria, micro-organisms and harmful materials.

The essential functions of the skin include:

  • The prevention of fluid loss.
  • Regulate our body temperature, through sweat glands.
  • Releasing of fluid to cool the body quickly.
  • Assist detoxification by removing toxins via perspiration.
  • Contains cells that synthesize and absorb Vitamin D from sunlight.
  • Contains cells within the skin, to protect us from damaging UV light.
  • And also cells that contribute to skin colour-pigmentation.
  • The skin contains many nerve endings that detect heat, touch & pain.
  • Various immune cells within the skin defend us against foreign pathogens.

How can we have Healthy Skin?

Having healthy skin starts from the inside and what we eat. Our food and supplements are responsible for providing the nutrients that build skin.

This means that healthy food choices can create a glowing skin and faster wound healing. Foods that promote the production of the proteins – collagen and elastin will stimulate skin growth and healing, by promoting skin elasticity and durability.

Proteins are fundamental nutrients for the formation of elastin & collagen. Vitamin C will assist wound healing, zinc & copper supplementation will assist collagen growth.

Ten Tips for a Great Summer Skin

  1. Hydration is the key…drink at least 1.5 litres of quality water daily.
  2. Eat foods that feed the skin, including beetroot, berries, carrots, pawpaw,  brown rice, quinoa, green leafy vegetables, garlic, goji berries, raw nuts, sweet potato, & tumeric.
  3. Choose to eat more raw, unrefined wholefoods in your diet.
  4. Limit caffeine, sugar, salt and processed food intake.
  5. Avoid excessive alcohol as this can dehydrate you, dilate capillaries and  may help cause skin sagging and wrinkles.
  6. Don’t eliminate all fats, the ‘good’ fats keep your skin soft and supple.  The  omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids assist healthy cell membranes, which  helps your skin to retain water and not dehydrate. Evening primrose oil may combat skin, hair and scalp dryness.
  7. Limit carbohydrates. Excessive carbs can cause higher blood glucose  levels, which create inflammatory conditions and may damage your skin.
  8. Protect yourself from the sun, especially between the hours of 10 and 3pm to prevent sun damage to the skin. UV radiation is the greatest cause of premature aging. Wear a hat, long sleeved shirt and sunscreen outdoors.
  9. Get exercising – exercise helps improve circulation and oxygenation.
  10. Manage stress. And get lots of rest. Use relaxation techniques, exercise regularly and enjoy time with family and friends.