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Skin

Updated: Jan 12, 2022


Human skin, or epidermis, is the body’s largest organ, weighing up to a total of eight pounds for an average adult. It consists of many constantly forming layers that comprise the surface of the body and protect all of what is underneath. It works intimately with the nervous, circulatory, lymphatic, immune, digestive & endocrine systems.


Skin is made up of proteins called keratins that have the amazing ability to adapt to the environment around them. If the skin is experiencing harsh, external treatment, the keratins will naturally toughen. In addition, the skin contains a pigment called melanin, which protects the body from harmful UV light. The more melanin a person has in their skin, the darker the skin color.


The skin is also extremely elastic with the help of water consumption as mentioned above and is deemed waterproof due to its naturally oily covering called sebum. Sebum, together with the body’s sweat, creates an acidic barrier that helps protect the body from harmful external pathogens like detergents and toxic skincare products that we come in contact with every day.



Harmful toxins can enter the body through the skin, but so can therapeutic agents like essential oils. Herbalists claim to the vast benefits of essential oil absorption therapy through the skin. Try it out!



Skin also has the incredible ability to rejuvenate, constantly creating new under layers as outer layers shed off. With the help of a large blood supply from the body, it is constantly renewing and repairing. When the skin experiences cuts and tears, it repairs itself with a special scar tissue made of collagen.


Just like physical pathogens, our skin reacts negatively to stress as well. While stress may be a mental emotion, it has physical effects, and many times, this can affect the skin’s ability to release harmful toxins. To achieve good skin health, one must reduce mental and physical stress in their lives. A sign of toxins in the bloodstream is seen in a red, blotchy, or pale, lifeless skin appearance. Certain supplements have shown to help in skin health and skin’s job in ridding interior and exterior toxins: vitamins C, D, E, A, and B.


Interestingly, skin has a unique relationship with the human lungs. Different skin inflammation disorders have been linked to asthma. Due to this connection, some believe breathing exercises to be beneficial to skin health.




SKIN & NUTRITION


Vitamins & Minerals: Omega-3s, Protein, Vitamins A, C, & E, Zinc, Selenium


Beneficial Foods: Salmon, Tuna, Sardines, Kale, Spinach, Collards, Flaxseeds, Eggs, Legumes, EVOO, Avocados


Recipes for Healthy Skin


RESEARCH ARTICLES










Brain-Skin Connection - Stress, Inflammation & Skin Aging


Diet & Exercise on Skin


Diet & Dermatology




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