We don’t usually think of our skin as being critical for overall health. But the truth is, it is! The skin has a number of roles that all contribute to optimal health, so caring for your skin is more important than you might think. Here are few of the many functions that the skin carries out and some suggestions for keeping your skin as healthy as possible.

Functions of the Skin

Barrier/Protection of Inner Organs

As the largest organ of the body, the skin acts as a barrier against outside “invaders.” The skin prevents microorganisms from entering the body and infecting internal organs. Sebaceous glands in the skin secrete sebum, a bactericidal lipid that can help inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin (source). Skin also works to protect inner organs. The deepest layer of skin, the subcutaneous layer, consists mainly of fatty tissues that act as a shock absorber and help protect the rest of the body from damage caused by external force and/or pressure.

Temperature Regulation

Skin plays an important part in helping to maintain a steady body temperature. When the body becomes overheated, sweat glands in the skin release perspiration, which helps to cool the body as it evaporates. In cold temperatures, blood flow to the skin is reduced, conserving heat in the deeper organs.

Expulsion of Waste Products and Toxins

Through sweat, the skin expels waste products, including sodium chloride and urea, from the body. In addition, a number of well-known toxins, including phthalates and BPA, as well as the heavy metals lead, arsenic, and cadmium have all been detected in sweat (source), suggesting that sweating might be an important pathway for eliminating toxins from the body.

Vitamin D Production

Skin is well-known for its involvement in vitamin D production. The skin contains a vitamin D precursor; when exposed to sunlight, this molecule is converted into vitamin D3. D3 follows a metabolic pathway through the liver and then the kidneys, where it is converted into calcitriol, the active, useable form of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is needed for proper absorption of calcium and is vital in supporting proper immune function. Because there are limited food sources of vitamin D, the skin’s role in producing this nutrient is critical.

How to Care for Your Skin

Clearly, the skin makes a huge contribution to overall physical well-being, which is why supporting the health of your skin is so important. Dry, cracked skin or large rashes, for example, can weaken the skin’s defenses and allow unwanted microbes to enter the body. To keep your skin in optimal health, see the suggestions below.

Stay Hydrated

Like all other cells of the body, skin cells need water for proper functioning. A lack of water can manifest itself as dry, flaking, and/or wrinkle-prone skin. Dry skin is also less resilient than well-hydrated skin.

Eat a Nutritious Diet

A well-balanced diet supplies the body with much-needed nutrients, several of which are key to healthy skin. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy, smooth skin and can help prevent dry skin. It is found in significant amounts in fish oils, apricots, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, kale, peaches, red peppers, and spinach.

Several of the B vitamins, including riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pyridoxine (B6) help to prevent skin disorders. For example, a deficiency of riboflavin can result in cracks and sores at the corners of the mouth. Sources of these vitamins include cheese, eggs, poultry, spinach, whole grains, and nuts.

Vitamin C aids in the healing of skin. It is also a potent antioxidant that helps mitigate the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. And it is needed for the production of collagen, a protein that helps give structure to skin and bones. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, avocados, Brussels sprouts, kale, and Swiss chard.

Exfoliate and Moisturize

Skin cells are continually dying and being replaced by new ones. As we get older, the process of sloughing off dead skin cells slows, and dead cells remain on the surface of the skin for longer periods of time. Regular exfoliation with natural exfoliants, like our Sugar Scrubs, can help remove dead skin cells and allow healthier ones to emerge.

Keeping skin moisturized is another important way to maintain healthy skin. Moisturizers and lotions made with natural ingredients, including plant oils, supply not only moisture, but also nutrients such as vitamins and antioxidants (learn more about the benefits of Verefina lotions here). Antioxidant-containing moisturizers are especially important, as antioxidants can help prevent and repair damage to DNA caused by ultraviolet light and exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants. With this fact in mind, our Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream and Antioxidant Eye Balm are formulated with high antioxidant ingredients that protect and heal the skin. Hyaluronic acid can also contribute to well-moisturized skin; it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing water into the skin and holding it there. Hyaluronic acid is found in Verefina Ultra Hydrating Rosewater Mist and After-Sun Mist.

Skin makes a significant contribution to our health, so taking good care of it can go a long way toward staying healthy. To care for your skin be sure to drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and exfoliate and moisturize with high quality, natural skin products.

Related posts:

Topical Antioxidant Help Protect the Skin from Sun Damage

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen

Verefina Lotions: Something for Everyone

Sources:

“Benefits of Drinking Water for Your Skin.” University of Wisconsin, Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health. Web. 13 July 2016.

http://www.uwhealth.org/madison-plastic-surgery/the-benefits-of-drinking-water-for-your-skin/26334

Berger, Michelle. “What Role Does the Sun Play in Vitamin D Synthesis?” Science Friday. 5 June 2015. Web. 11 July 2016.

http://www.sciencefriday.com/articles/what-role-does-the-sun-play-in-vitamin-d-synthesis/

“Healthy Skin.” American Skin Association. Web. 11 July 2016.

http://www.americanskin.org/resource/#alcohol

Kahn, Joel. “Why Sweating is the Best Way to Get Rid of Toxins.” mindbodygreen. 4 September 2014. Web. 12 July 2016.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15166/why-sweating-is-the-best-way-to-get-rid-of-toxins.html

“Understanding the Structure and Function of Skin.” Nursing Times. 5 August 2003. Web. 11 July 2016.

http://www.nursingtimes.net/clinical-archive/dermatology/understanding-the-structure-and-function-of-the-skin/205222.fullarticle

About the Author

Katie Zapotoczny is a Verefina Affiliate and the creator of An Ever Green Life, a blog that seeks to empower readers to make changes that will improve their health and help protect our environment.