Basic Skin Care Knowledge

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. We tend to interact with it several times a day, yet most of us do not really understand about maintaining a proper skin care regimen. Here are some important facts. There are two main layers to the skin. The layer on top is called the epidermis. This layer is very thin (only about one millimeter) but performs several essential functions. The epidermis forms a strong barrier and helps protect our bodies from our living environment. The pigment cells in the epidermis help protect us from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. The immune system is also included as part of the epidermis. When we get a scrape or a cut, harmful bacteria are kept in check which reduces our chances of getting an infection. The second or lower portion of the skin is called the dermis. This portion is very thick in some areas of the body, such as on the back, but can also be quite thin in other locations such as the eyelids. The dermis is comprised of a resilient tissue called collagen. This provides the elastic tissue that provides our bodies flexibility. Pinch your skin; notice how it snaps back to its normal shape. The dermis also contains nerves, blood vessels and glands.

When we are children our skin is smooth and firm, primarily because the skin does a good job of trapping moisture in the form of water. Over time, the skin starts to thin and dry out as we age. The facial muscles responsible for smiling, frowning and squinting eventually cause creases to appear between the eyebrows and around the eyes and mouth. Fat tissues under the skin can also thin and can cause creases near the nose and chin.
Most people do not understand the devastating effects of too much sun exposure on the skin. The light from out Sun contains different types of ultraviolet light that over time cause potentially significant damage to both layers of our skin. The real problem is the effects of sun exposure don't become apparent for many years. There will be over one million new cases of skin cancer this year and most cases are directly related to sun exposure. Those fine wrinkles, broken blood vessels and brown patches are direct results of frequent sun exposure. Damage to the elastic skin tissue’s make the skin have a slightly pebbly appearance. These unsightly lesions are not part of the normal aging process!!

What can you do right now? First, look at yourself in the mirror. Do you have any growths that scab or bleed, if you do make an appointment to see your dermatologist. Do you have any freckling, brown patches, red lines or more than just a few wrinkles, then you likely have sun damage. What can you do to prevent future damage? You must start to apply sunscreens as part of your daily skincare routine. I recommend a sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Some makeup products and moisturizers on the market today will have added sunscreen. You can find out how the SPF of a product by carefully read the label. Remember to cover all sun exposed areas including you face, hands, ears, neck, arms and chest. Most sunscreens should be reapplied every 60 to 90 minutes if you are swimming or if you are physically active. The sun is most intense between the hours of 10 and 3. There are some people that claim they do not need sunscreen because they are only out for 10 to 15 minutes a day. It is important to remember that sun exposure is cumulative. This means that 10 minutes of sun a day equals more than an hour of sun a week.

If your skin feels dry, it means that your skin is lacking water. If you wash your hands frequently you will strip the skin of essential oils. Washing with harsh soaps can also cause dryness and irritation to the skin. You should treat your dry skin with moisturizers. The proper time to apply them is immediately after you get out of the shower or bath. Bathing will cause the top layer of your skin to swell up with water. Applying a moisturizer within minutes of bathing will assist the skin in trapping the water. If a lotion does not do the job, try a thicker cream or ointment based moisturizer.

Need more information about repair and treatment of lines, wrinkles, brown spots and other signs of sun exposure and aging? Check back soon that will be the subject of an upcoming blog post. For now, remember to include sunscreens and moisturizers as part of your daily routine.

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