About Your Skin

What is Skin?

The skin covers the body, it is the outer layer. Human skin is one of the largest organs of the integumentary system which comprises of many layers of ectodermal tissue. The human skin protects the underlying muscle, bones, ligaments and internal organs. Human skin is just like the skins of other mammals except it's not protected by a pelt and though it appears to be hairless, nearly all human skin has hair follicles. The skin protects the body against pathogens and excessive water loss.

Composition of Skin

The skin is made of three layers. The top layer, the one that you can see is the epidermis. If you look at your hands, you can’t see anything happening, but your epidermis is actually hard at work. New skin cells keep forming at the bottom of the epidermis. When the cells are ready they move towards the top of your epidermis, which takes about two weeks to a month. The new cells come to the top surface of your skin. What you see on your hands and parts of your body is the dead skin cells. These dead skin cells cover your body and protect it. They soon flake off. Every minute of the day we lose about 30,000-40,000 dead skin cells off the skin surface. Melanin gives a color to the skin. The darker your skin is the more melanin you have. When you go sunbathing, these cells make more melanin to protect you from getting sun burnt.

The second layer is the dermis which is hidden by your epidermis. So you can’t see it. The dermis comprise of nerve ending, blood vessels, oil glands and sweat glands. Dermis also contains collagen and elastin which are tough and stretchy. The nerve endings communicate to you on how things feel when you touch them. They work together with your brain and nervous system so your brain gets the message about what you touch. Our dermis comprise fully of blood vessels. Blood vessels keep your skin cells healthy by providing them oxygen and nutrients that they require and also take away the waste. In the dermis, you can find oil glands as well. These are called sebaceous glands and they make sebum, which is your skin’s own natural oil.

The third layer is called subcutaneous layer, mostly made of fat and keeps your body warm and absorb shocks. You will find start of the hair in this layer. Each hair grows out of a tiny tube called a follicle. Every follicle starts from this layer and moves up through the dermis.

Functions of the Skin

• Skin protects the body and covers the internal organs.

• It removes water and toxic waste products from the body. A dull complexion, excess acne and selling indication poor elimination.

• The skin breathes a little; exhales carbon dioxide and removes unwanted gas.

• The skin keeps inside body temperature and does not change with outside temperature.

• The skin lubricates itself by sebaceous material.

• Allows certain substances to pass through its tissues.

Eat The Right Foods to Keep Your Skin Healthy & Young

You have to take care of your skin! If you want to keep your skin healthy and young, what you eat matters a lot to your skin. If you want to have skin that looks young and supple and has a natural glow, you have to pay attention to what types of food you are consuming. Below are some foods that are good for your skin, you can choose which one you want to add in your diet to get that youthful skin appearance you want.

Water

Water is very important for your skin. When you drink lots of water, you flush out waste products out of your body and your skin will become healthier.

Green Tea

Green tea is beneficial to the skin and is a great drink other then water. Avoid adding sugar or milk if you want green tea to benefit your skin.

Cantaloupe & Tomatoes

This fruit increase antioxidants in the body, which then also increases your ability to absorb free radicals resulting in healthier skin.

Berries / Plums

Berries like strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are all rich in antioxidants. To make your skin healthier, you can eat them alone, or put them in cereal or garnish in a side dish.

Sweet potatoes

If you don’t want to try cantaloupe or tomatoes, you can go for this vegetable which increases antioxidants in your body.

Lean red meat

Some people lack iron in their diets resulting in poor skin. If you are too pale or have dark circles under your eyes, you may need more iron. Red meat is a great source but ensure you don’t eat fatty red meat.

Eggs

Eggs are a good source of iron for people who don’t want to eat red meat.

It is very important to take good care of your skin by eating right foods and using the proper skin care products. We have a great selection of facial masks suitable for all skin types. Facial masks remove all the dirt, and leave your skin smooth and fresh. A facial mask makes your skin look radiant. It is good to use a facial mask 2-4 times a week for proper skin care treatment.