Skin Care

Caring of skin has three simple steps, viz., cleansing, toning and moisturising. If this routine is followed religiously, it is adequate to keep your skin fresh and young for many years. The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is made up of multiple layers of tissues that guard the underlying muscles and organs. Skin can be oily or dry for various reasons. Oily skin is caused by over active glands that produce a substance called sebum, a naturally healthy skin lubricant. When the skin produces excessive sebum, it becomes heavy and thick in texture. Oily skin is typified by shininess, blemishes and pimples. The oily skin type is not necessarily bad, since such skin is less prone to wrinkling or other signs of ageing, because the oil helps to keep the needed moisture locked into the epidermis-the outermost layer of the skin.

Water plays an important role in skin care. Drinking plenty of water moisturises the skin from inside and thus, helps to clear your skin to keep it smooth and delicate. Water is the single most important element for cellular integrity; hence,  nothing will improve appearance of the skin better than drinking enough water.

Everything you eat becomes not only a part of your being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. The healthier the foods that you consume, the better your skin will look.

So what are the foods for a healthy skin? Most experts say that eating a balanced diet is the best for healthy skin. But a number of specific skin treats are more likely to give a boost of glowing good health to your complexion than others. Experts say that the health of our skin cells is dependent on dietary vitamin A. Betacarotene, which is found extensively in carrots, is converted to vitamin A; the other equally good source is low fat dairy products. Anything that keeps digestion normal, any live bacteria or enzyme that is good for intestinal health is bound to keep the skin glowing and healthy; vitamin C and E are also extremely beneficial for the skin. Nut should be consumed in moderation and it is also a good idea to take a multi-vitamin supplement.

It is well known that overexposure to ultra-violet rays from the sun can cause major skin problems, ranging from skin cancer to sunburns and premature wrinkles. A tan, for example, is nature’s own protection from ultra violet rays. It is an unhealthy sign and a warning that your skin is probably getting damaged. Tans result from an overproduction of melanin by the skin in an effort to protect the body from the Sun’s harmful radiation. There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Skin lotions and creams with SPF 15 or 30 should be applied to safeguard against damage to the skin by ultra violet rays.

It is also pertinent to note that dark skinned individuals rarely develop skin cancer. They also exhibit a much lower degree of photo ageing or wrinkles. Dark skin, is without doubt, much better adapted to sunny environments than a light skin.

As skin ages, it becomes thinner. It is more easily damaged and takes longer to heal itself. Skin ageing is caused by a decline in its elasticity. Ageing skin also receives less blood flow and has lower glandular activity. Wrinkles may be an inevitable part of ageing, but that does not mean fighting them is useless. Some people try invasive techniques, such as chemical peels, botox, dermal fillers or surgery. But these efforts are all done from the outside. What about protecting your skin from the inside? By eating a diverse diet, including five servings of vegetables a day, and doing half an hour of brisk walking, you can make your skin look younger.