THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR SKIN HEALTH
If you want to live the healthiest and happiest life possible, then what you put onto your body is just as important as what you put inside. A study published in the US Journal of Public Health found that skin absorbs an average of 64% of the total toxins applied to it. The face was several times more absorbent than the broader areas, but underarms showed a 100% absorption rate, a great example of why we should all be using only natural deodorants.
Below, I have listed 8 of the most important functions of our skin, I hope this will help you to understand the importance of how we look after ourselves. If this resonates with you then I encourage you to investigate further for yourself, although I acknowledge that not everyone is as big a google geek as I am!! Please also feel free to email me if you have any questions or need further information on any of these points. Those that know me, know that I am more than happy to expand on these subjects, and love an opportunity to beat the drum.
Skin is, in effect, our body’s own thermostat. It regulates temperature through the many blood vessels and the processes of sweating and shivering. In cold weather the skin triggers shivering, contracting the blood vessels away from the surface and keeping warmth in. But in the heat, blood flow is increased to the vessels causing sweating, and as this water evaporates our skin cools. Toxins that are soluble in water are evacuated through our sweat glands, helping our kidneys do their work. Our sweat glands also generate a protein called dermcidin, which has antibiotic properties and prevents microbes from over colonising the skin surface.
Our epidermis also contains a layer of keratin (a fibrous protein) and glycolipids (fat cells) which are hydrophobic, making our skin waterproof.
Strong sunlight and UVA radiation can cause lesions and DNA damage, and potentially cause skin cancers. Our skin cells produce melanin, a protective pigment which blocks the UV radiation and helps to prevent damage. This pigment is what causes us to turn brown when sunbathing. Please note that when exposed to strong sunlight for periods of time, you will need to take extra precautions against burning. I am pleased to say that there are now some good natural sun protection creams out there, and they do work.
A really vital role of our skin is to literally hold us together. It provides a strong yet flexible shell around all our bones, muscles and organs, ensuring everything is kept where it is meant to be.
Our skin is also the first line of defence for our immune system. Located within both the dermis and epidermis are a variety of infiltrating cells such as keratinocytes, T-cells and lymphocytes, which are all an active part of a system that provides protection against toxins, infections and cancers.
Vital for sensory function, our skin contains an extensive network of nerve cells that can detect and relay changes in our environment. We have receptors for heat, cold, touch, pain and pleasure.
Skin also plays an important role in the production of vitamin D. Exposure to UVB rays of strength 3 and above reacts with the cholesterol in our skin causing a chemical reaction which produces this vital vitamin.
Our skin is our largest organ, and as the above shows, a hard working one at that. We owe it to ourselves to nurture it, and enable it to carry us through life in the best and healthiest way possible.