The skin
is the largest organ in the
body. It has several
important functions. It acts
as a barrier to the external
environment including
harmful microbes, chemicals
and radiation. It allows the
exchange of water and some
nutrients. It can eliminate
toxins, minerals and other
substances that have built
up inside the body.
Skin is made up of several
layers. The epidermal outer
layer contains keratinized
skin cells. It is a fibrous,
protective shield for the
body. The epidermis is
firmly attached to inner
layers of irregular
connective tissue, the
dermis. The dermis contains
collagen, the structural
support, and elastin, the
stretchy support. Only the
dermis has blood supply,
nutrients reach the outer
skin layers only by
diffusion.
Free radicals are unstable
molecules that in their bid
to become more stable must
bump into healthy cells and
cause damage. This can cause
cell death, alterations in
genetic material and
autoimmune reactions to
damaged cells. Ultraviolet
radiation from the sun is
the major contributor of
free radicals that build up
in the skin.
Skin oil is produced in the
debaceous glands. Its job is
to coat the skin and prevent
too much water from
evaporating off the skin’s
surface. Water keeps the
skin hydrated. The
connective tissue in the
dermis is composed of
elastin and collagen. These
substances need a supply of
protein and nutrients to
repair damage and form new
tissue when needed.
Wrinkles form when the skin
loses its elasticity and
maintains a permanent
crease. It usually happens
around the eyes, cheeks and
lips because these areas
repetitively form facial
expressions like smiling or
frowning. The most important
factor in the development of
wrinkles is sun exposure.
Damage from UVA rays, which
are present all year round,
can attribute to up to 90
percent of skin aging. Other
factors that contribute to
wrinkled skin are
nutritional deficiencies,
habitual facial expressions,
stress, skin care,
environmental pollutants,
smoking and hereditary.
Dry skin can be simple or
complex. Simple dry skin
occurs when the skin is
deficient in natural oils
and fails to hold water in
skin cells. Oil normally
lubricates the skin and acts
as a barrier to avoid
excessive evaporation of
water from the upper layers
of the dermis. Simple dry
skin usually occurs in women
under the age of 35. Complex
dry skin lacks both oil and
moisture. The protein
components of the skin may
be damaged from prolonged UV
exposure. Complex dry skin
tends to develop brown
spots, fine lines and
enlarged pores. Complex dry
skin usually affects older
adults and is associated
with aging.
A diet high in antioxidants
including whole grains, raw
fruits and raw vegetables
decreases free radical
damage. Eat foods high in
zinc such as whole grains,
sunflower seeds and raw
nuts. Eat lots of fruit,
especially mango and
apricot, for its water
content and alpha-hydroxy
acids. Sulphur rich foods
like garlic, onions, eggs
and asparagus, provide raw
material for building skin
proteins. Essential fatty
acids are a source of good
fats for the skin. Use cold
pressed oils like flax,
olive, sunflower and
safflower. Avoid
hydrogenated fats, fried
foods, soft drinks, sugar,
chocolate, junk foods,
cigarettes and alcohol. |