Do You Treat Your Skin as a Major Organ?
By Tom Herrin
When we think about our skin, many of us think in terms of appearance and little else. It is that, but it is also much more. Our skin is indeed an organ. Its number one responsibility is to protect us from infection. This is evident anytime we have even a small cut and experience the discomfort that may go along with it for a few days as it heals. Taking care of our skin is a big responsibility. If we fail, we risk damage that shows on the surface as well as damage that may go much deeper. We now know much more about things we can do to improve our ability to take care of this part of our body.
Form a Habit of Using Sunscreen
Most of us have heard the message that sunscreen is something we should use regularly. We don't have to look like we are at the beach, but we should use it anytime we are spending any amount of time in the sun. This would include things such as mowing the lawn, going for a walk, or darting around on a Saturday afternoon as we shop. Even as we go in and out of the sun, it can do damage to our skin. Many of us have likely gotten too much sun simply riding in a car with the sun shining in on us. Mineral-based sunscreens with SPF of 30 or better seems to be the recommended level.
Apply Skin Care Products at the Right Time
While we may not think about it, the time we apply skin care products may be pretty significant. It has been suggested that if we do so right after a bath or shower, we may be able to better maintain the moisture we take in from that. Afterwards, our skin tends to dry out more. This leaves us with the situation of having to try to replace moisture after it has been lost. Undoing damage after the fact is always a more difficult task. It may be better late than never, but if we plan carefully, we can do more for our effort.
Consume Healthy Fats
You may not have seen this one coming, but what we take into our bodies can play an important role in the health of our skin. Remembering that we are what we eat can help us to take the right steps here as well. Good fats such as from some nuts, flaxseed, and avocados can help to provide a constant supply of what we need to supply cells with the nutrients needed to combat sun, wind, and other things that tend to dry us out and damage our skin. As we educate ourselves better, we can have that appearance that can go along with other healthy factors in our skin.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Parker, Colo.