How to take care of your skin

Introduction:

Walking down the streets I observed that the skin color on some people is not their true skin color and the texture is also compromised. This made it known to me that they are still ignorant on how to take care of their skin. In a bid to look lighter, the architecture and the color of their skin especially the epidermis (outermost part of the skin) is badly compromised.

The skin:

The skin is the outer covering of the body and the largest organ of the body. It is the sense organ for touch.

Layers of the skin:

 The skin has two layers; the outer layer called Epidermis

The inner layer called Dermis.

Skin attachments:

These attachments are; the nails, hairs and secreting glands.

Skin colors:

Skin color differs in individuals. This difference in skin color is due to any or the combination of these factors; heredity (inherited from parents), race, environment (people living in hot tropical areas look darker in complexion).

Blood and nerve supply to the skin:

Blood is constantly supplied to the cells of the skin like every other cells of the body. This blood is supplied to provide nutrition, oxygen and take away metabolic waste materials from the skin.

Nerve supply in the other hand provides the sensory ability of the skin i.e. the ability of the skin to respond to touch and pressure.

Functions of the skin:

·       The skin provides mechanical protection to the underlying tissues. This is evident to the fact that the skin is thicker at the parts which are subject to friction e.g. the sole of the foot and the palm of the hand.

·       Prevents the loss of water, the opposite which is seen in patients with severe burn.

·       The skin pigment ‘melanin’ protects the body against harmful effect of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This is also why people who live in sunny environment are highly pigmented. This pigment determines the color of the skin. People highly pigmented are dark skinned.

·       Some degree of exposure to sunlight (especially morning sunlight) is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D. Vitamin D boost the immune system by reducing levels of inflammatory protein and ensures strong bones and teeth.

·       Protects against chemical and heat attack.

·       As I mentioned earlier, the skin is an important sensory organ (for touch).

·       The skin helps to maintain the body’s temperature. In cold weather, the blood vessels move deep inside the skin to prevent heat loss through the vessels. In hot weather however, the blood vessels move to the surface of the skin, so that excess heat might be lost through the vessels.

·       Production of sweats by the sweat glands and position of the hair at a particular time are necessary in regulation of the temperature of the body. The nail enables grip.

Care of the Skin:

·       Always visit a dermatologist whenever there is an issue with your skin.

·       Treat all skin diseases e.g. eczema, pimples etc. whenever they appear.

·       Notice your environment and seek advice on the right product that will be good for your skin at such environment.

·       Stay away from harsh type of such products like detergents, perfume, even soaps, which might affect your skin’s texture.

·       Take your bath regularly with soap and water, twice (morning and evening) at least.

·        Use your personal belongings (cloth, towel) without sharing, to avoid being contaminated.

·       Keep stress of any kind away if possible.

·       Visit the clinic to treat any skin wound e.g. burns.

·       Keep your environment clean from germs.

·       Stay away from heavy sunlight and cover your skin properly from harsh weather conditions.

·       Do not try to bleach or whiten your skin because it is harmful to your skin. In order to bleach the skin, the pigment melanin is depleted severely. Remember that this pigment has skin-protective function against the harsh rays from the sun. Imagine the harm caused when this protection is depleted in the quest to get a lighter skin. Note that the protein melanin might not regenerate once depleted.

Diet that maintains a good skin:

Beans and other legumes: they are rich in protein and are good in maintaining and repairing worn out tissues like that of the skin.

Fish: it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which nourishes the hair of the body and smoothes the skin.

Eggs: also rich in protein which aids in tissue and cells repair. It contains biotin which protect against dry skin.

Tomatoes: some combination of tomatoes (rich in lycopene) e.g. with olive oil can prevent sunburn.

Green tea: is rich in polyphenol which helps to maintain a good healthy skin.

Avocado: used by many skin spa to hydrate the skin against dryness. It is general healthy to the skin when applied topically or consumed.

Once again think health, think life and live successful.