The skin is a very complex organ that consists of different layers.
The upper layer of the skin is called the epidermis; this layer is composed of mainly dead cells. These dead cells shed off in a circle of 28 days and new ones grow up. The epidermis is our skin’s front line of defense against the harmful effect of the sun and bacteria. It is nourished by blood vessels in the deeper layer of the skin which provide it with “skin food” and oxygen.
The inner layer of the skin is called the dermis. It is composed of living cells. In the dermis you’ll find hair follicles, sweat glands and the sebaceous gland which produce sebum (oil). The sebum is the skin’s natural lubricant and very sensitive to hormones. That’s why at puberty when the hormones are very active, teenagers break out a lot especially boys. When some ladies are in their periods also they brake out because the glands are secreting excess oils during that period.
This layer consists of mainly collagen which is a protein that is responsibly for the structural support of the skin. Women have less collagen than men and men produce more sebum than women. Because men have more sebum than women, their sebaceous glands work way into their eighties. As the woman gets older into her thirties her estrogen level starts to drop, the collagen decreases, the skin also starts drying up and then she experiences gradual thinning of skin.
This collagen is packaged in bundles and is held together by the elastic fiber called elastin.
MELANIN:-- this is what determines our skin colour and it is found underneath the epidermis, the melanin is actually what helps the epidermis to ward off UV radiation thus protecting the skin below. This is why we should protect the melanin instead of shedding it off drastically with bleaching creams. Bleaching creams destroy the protective layers of the skin thereby exposing you to the harmful effect of the sun and dangerous chemicals on the air.
TYPES OF SKIN
Dry, oily and normal skin. All these skin types respond well with products that are specifically meant for them. It is unwise to purchase skin products and apply without verifying with your dermatologist or beauty professional if the product is good for you or not. Most skin care products in the market today contain numerous synthetic additives that can weaken your natural defense system and also cause skin irritations and allergies.
This is why I advice people to use natural products like sheer butter, coconut oils and herbs to nourish the skin. These natural products work in harmony with your body and restores damages skin. With these you are sure to have a healthy skin.
CARE OF THE SKIN
Exfoliate-This is the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of your skin and should be done once a month. Remember I said earlier on that the skin grows within a circle of 28 days? When our nails or hair grows or becomes untidy, what we normally do is trim it off so as to make us look clean and beautiful. Now because the hair and nails are extensions from the skin it is only ideal that we keep it clean too. It is best to seek professional salon treatment if you want a good job done.
Do proper daily cleansing with the right product for your skin. I prefer herbal products
• Moisturizing daily with a good moisturizer that is made for your skin type
• Water therapy- taking lots of clean water everyday and bathing with clean water will go a long way to hydrate your skin.
• Exercise- we all know that exercise goes a long way to increase our metabolism, when we sweat out dirt is pushed off our pores, we lose excess weight and we also look and feel young when we exercise.
• Rest
• Good healthy food
Tip- Get a mixture of african sandalwood powder, a pinch of tumeric, yugort and honey, mix together to form a paste and apply once weekly. It will makeyour skin feel and look like satin!
If we adhere to all these rules and skin care rutine patiently and give yourself a maximum waiting period of 6months, you will be surpriced at what you will achieve at the end.
Till I come your way again, keep fit!
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