What is the largest organ in the body? We don’t often think of it that way, but the answer is your skin.
Skin is a unique and amazing part of us. It covers nearly our entire body and is the outward part of us that is seen every day. Despite this, it is often not taken care of properly.
When we are young our skin is very elastic – filled with collagen, well hydrated and plump. We seem to be glowing with life! Yet as we age, lifestyle and environmental factors, as well as genetics, begin to take a toll on our skin and in turn our youthful appearance.
The human body is more than 60% water so it only stands to reason that water plays a vital role in this process. Your skin is filled with pores that act as a filter allowing you to rid your system of toxins and to sweat when necessary in order to cool down. Keeping your skin clean and moisturized play a vital role in caring for your body.
In order to keep our skin healthy as we age there are a few things we need to do on a regular basis:
#1 Eat a well balanced diet. Your skin is a reflection of how healthy you are on the inside. Temporary supplementation of vitamins and minerals you are lacking can also prove to be very healing.
#2 Hydration – Drinking pure clean water and steering clear of sugary drinks and artificial sweeteners as well as moderation in caffeinated beverages is a positive step.
#3 Cleansing the skin on a daily basis. There are a multitude of creams, soaps and cleansers on the market today and everyone has their own opinions on what works and what doesn’t. Choose a cleanser that is suited for your skin type whether it is oily, dry, combination or sensitive there are many quality products on the market. The more natural the better – many soaps and shampoos these days are made with the same ingredients as your floor cleaner so read the labels! A good rule of thumb is – if you trip over the words trying to pronounce them, chances are it’s not in your best interest to rub it on your body!
#4 Exfoliating – Assisting your skin in shedding the dead outer cells through the use of exfoliants such as scrubs, loofah sponges, bristle brushes and towards the more extreme – peels or laser.
#5 Toning – Toning is a step most of us miss in this process. The purpose of a toner is to wash away any residual dirt or soap left from washing your face. A good toner, sometimes called an astringent, cleanses and shrinks your pours in a sense “toning” your skin.
#6 Moisturizing. This is a vital step. Surface moisturizers are designed to add hydration from the outside of the body by applying a layer of viscous cream or lotion to be absorbed into the skin. Again, read your labels and see what it is you are rubbing on and soaking into your body. Just because it smells good doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
#7 Sun protection. This is a hot topic these days. You often hear in the news and from other sources that you need to wear sunblock at all times or risk the possibility of skin cancer. This, idea once stated as cold hard fact, is now being challenged. In fact it has been shown in recent studies that retinyl palmitate, an ingredient in most sunscreens, was shown to accelerate cancer in lab animals. The other problem with wearing a sunscreen all of the time you are outside is that exposure to the sun creates Vitamin D in our bodies which is vital for good health. Vitamin D plays a role in supporting healthy bones by proportioning the absorption of calcium, lowers your blood pressure, and is one of the most potent inhibitors of cancer cell growth! Additionally it helps to regulate your immune system so while sunburn is dangerous and repeated sunburns are extremely dangerous some sun on your skin is needed and very healthy for you. Use your best judgment. If you are going to be outside for an extended period of time cover up with hats and clothing, and if you choose to use a sunscreen make sure it does not contain retinyl palmitate.
#8 Don’t smoke! Smoking makes your skin dull and contributes to wrinkles giving you the appearance of advanced age.
And finally-
#9 Live stress-free! Stress is a huge contributing factor to skin condition and appearance. We know its easy for us to tell you to eliminate stress, and not always so easy to put into practice. Don’t worry, we will give you some amazing tips in an upcoming article – so keep an eye out!
Caring for your skin doesn’t need to be a time-consuming hassle. Once you get your skin care products and regiment together, it becomes like second nature. And after all… aren’t you worth it?
Come in for a nutrition appointment and get your diet on track – it could boost not only the look and feel of your skin but your overall health as well.
Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort Myers, FL.
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent them before they start?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.