Did you know that your skin is actually an organ, in fact it’s the bodies biggest organ!
Our skin covers all of our bodies surfaces and weighs approx. 8-10 pounds. The skin not only contains the contents of our bodies but it protects us against injury, infection, hot and cold and much more. Skin is one of the most resilient organs of the body, surviving lots of forms of punishment but that doesn’t mean we should neglect it or not give it the same care that the rest of our body receives.
One function of the skin is to protect our underlying tissues from invisible radiation produced by the sun, making it even more important for us to take care of this “shield.”
Skin care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, and can quickly become second nature, like brushing your teeth.
Here are three tips to help you achieve healthier and better looking skin:
1. Stay out of The Sun
This is common knowledge, we hear it all of the time, but when we live in a city like Vancouver where we see more rain than sun, we tend to forget that even though we can’t see the sun, it’s still there. The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause anything from a mild burn to skin cancer. Sunblocks or sunscreens provide protection from these harmful rays, but it is important to remember that applying first thing in the morning may not be enough. Make sure you read the labels of the products that you are using and remember that the SPF number stands for an estimate on how many minutes the block is good for. (ie. SPF 15, 15 minutes…give or take). If you are sitting in the direct sunlight all afternoon you may want to go with a higher SPF.
Keeping your skin moist is essential to skin protection, drinking lots of water helps to keep the moisture in your skin. Common signs of dehydration in the skin are dry, flaky or itchy skin and chapped lips. It is also important to read the labels on the products that you are using on your body, steer towards products that contain natural oils that your body needs and away from chemical additives.
3. Get to Know Your Skin
Pay attention to odd freckles, moles, and growths on your skin, and consult your doctor if you notice any changes. Other skin conditions that merit a dermatologist visit include frequent acne, inflamed or irritated dry skin, and skin rashes and irritations that don’t go away, as these could be signs of one of the many types of dermatitis, or skin inflammation.
With proper skin care to pamper skin from the outside and with a good diet to nourish from within, skin protection comes down to a few simple steps. But should you ever notice any problems, get medical attention to resolve them quickly and avoid putting your skin at risk.
