IntroductionA healthy skin is crucial for a person’s appearance, but more importantly it performs many essential functions for the human body. Skin protects the body from viruses, bacteria and other microbes that a person may be exposed to and prevents them from damaging internal organs. It also shields us from the harmful effects of the Sun’s ultravi-olet rays that damage epidermal cells. Healthy skin produces vitamin D when exposed to the sunlight, which is vital for bodily functions. Vitamin D pro-motes the body's absorption of calcium essential for the normal development of healthy teeth and bones.

Skin regulates the body temperature through perspiration. When body temperature rises, the sweat glands perspire and cool the body as the sweat evaporates. The skin works in con-junction with the nervous system to alert the body and react better to changes in the environment by feeling pain or pressure.

Skin Is the Human Body's Largest Organ:Our skin consists of three layers of tissues. The top layer, or epidermis, is the paper-thin outer layer of the skin consisting of dead cells that continually flake, or are washed off, to be replaced by newer cells made in the lower portion of the epidermis. The cycle of

cell production and replacement takes around 28 days.

The middle, or dermis, layer contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sweat and oil glands. It is almost 90 percent of the skin's thickness. It consists of collagen and elastic fibers that provide the skin strength and elasticity.

The deepest subcutaneous layer of skin is primarily composed of fatty tissue as well as blood vessels and nerves. Body fat provides insulation from extreme heat and cold as well as cushioning the body from injuries.

Healthy Lifestyle – Healthy Skin:

In certain situations your skin also reveals your age! These positive lifestyle behaviors can keep you healthy and your skin looking younger:

• Perform facial muscle exercises twice daily to tighten the skin • Exercise daily for a toned physique• Exfoliate your skin weekly to eradicate dead skin cells• Eight hours of sleep each night• Avoid sudden and rapid weight loss• Use a sunscreen for protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays • Quit smoking! Cigarette smoking speeds up the aging process! • Avoid soaps and skincare products containing harsh chemicals

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Presented by:

Skin – The Largest Body Organ

Quote to InspireQuote to Inspire

Edited by: Sandra Taylor Design: Maria Camille AlmirañezProduction: Troy Butler

Exfoliate Your Skin:Exfoliation is the removal of dead and dry skin which routinely sheds from our skin. The need for skin exfoliation is increased on exposure to sunlight. Our skin shines naturally, but this feature is lost when the upper most part of skin is covered by dead and dry skin. When you start exfoliating regularly you will notice a glow to your skin. This may also be seen in men whose skin glows when they shave daily.

Moisturizing:There are many moisturizers available for your face, hands, body and feet. There are day and night creams for the face and body lotions for after bath or shower. Never let your feet dry out allowing skin to crack and become rough and sore. Moisturizers are creams whose basic function is to hold water in the skin. The important thing is to use what works for you and to use them regularly.

Sunscreen:The sun is the number one enemy of your skin. The ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes many changes ranging from discoloration, freckles and wrinkles to skin cancers. Most skin cancers are related to sun exposure duration and intensity. The damage to skin from UV light is not visible to the naked eye. This damage is slow, but very potent. A good sunscreen is one with sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater.

These simple lifestyle behaviors can help you have a healthy skin. Follow-ing a regular and healthy skin care regime helps you to maintain a youthful appearance and healthy life! For a healthy spine don’t forget your regular chiropractic check-up!

• Use cosmetic products designed for your skin type• Avoid refined sugar and junk food• Eat lots of fresh fruits and raw vegetables to keep your body nourished• Take Vitamin C and Vitamin E• Keep your skin hydrated and smooth by drinking an ample amount of water

Skin Care:

Environment and external factors act on your skin daily, so develop a daily routine of skin care which involves 4 basic steps:

• Cleansing to remove chemicals and dust from your skin• Exfoliate to remove dry skin• Moisturize to keep your skin hydrated• Use sunscreen to prevent your skin from harmful effects of UV light

Clean your skin twice daily; once in the morning and once at night. Every day you are exposed to make-up, dirt, sweat and chemicals. Removing these particles is essential for keeping your skin healthy. Soap or cleansers loosen and make it easy to remove debris, germs and excessive oil. Toners remove those particles which are not removed by soap or cleanser. Choose a mild cleanser that does not cause any irritation to your skin and one that is suitable for your skin type whether normal, dry or oily. Any sign of itching may mean you have an allergy to that particular cleanser.

You should pay special attention to your eyes. For women, eye make-up should be removed with make-up removing solution. Use lukewarm water for washing your face as hot or cold water can break blood vessels under the skin.

Disclaimer: Information contained in The Wellness ExpressTM newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.

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1. www.abcarticledirectory.com: Healthnic.com: aquib

2. Wikipedia: Skincare

References and Sources:

Gwyneth Paltrow - Actress

“Beauty, to me is being comfortable in your own skin”