So You Think You Know Your Skin

Everyday we live in a casing that protects us from infection, provides 5 kinds of sensory stimulus and even plays a role in regulating our temperature. It is the largest organ in the human body weighing about 8 pounds and measuring as much as 22 square feet for the average adult. Each square inch of skin contains over 1000 nerve endings, 600+ sweat glands, 60+ hairs and more. It measures 1mm thick when we are born and grows with us to adulthood measuring between 2-3 mm. As we age it comes full circle, thinning again. Our skin is our bodies’ natural armor, ever changing.

This is why it is so important to take special care of our skin (also known as epidermis if you want to use the proper scientific term). We must find the best possible way that works for our individual needs. The choices are many; Natural, organic or man made (to name a few). Our skin renews itself about every 28 days. It’s interesting to note that this is also the same time frame as a woman’s menstrual cycle.

We need to remember that our skin absorbs various elements of the things we come in contact with. Chemicals to air pollution and countless other maladies. Our skin also regulates and helps prevent dehydration – another good reason to drink lots of clean, fresh water. Remember, our skin also protects our insides as well.

We lose 30,000 to 40,000 dead cells from the skins surface almost every minute. This is a good place to start in your skin care regimen. If you’ve never heard of a loofah sponge, it is an excellent, natural tool for fresh, healthy skin. They come in many forms from mitts that fit over your hand to facial pads and even sandals for feet with skin that needs attention. It helps to slough off that dry, dead skin exposing fresh, clean skin.

Besides a loofah sponge, there are lots of other choices on the market. There is the plastic mesh ball(also known as a scrubby or skin exfoliator). In many cases these plastic mesh balls are made of recycled plastic thus helping out the environment for an extra plus.

There are a myriad of routines, products and formulas to choose from. So much so that people can become overwhelmed by the choices. In formulas alone, one is looking at anti-aging, acne, wrinkle care and antioxidant (naming only a few). There are many factors to consider. Everything from skin color (dark, medium, light/fair) to dry, oily acne prone, normal, combination or sensitive. There’s even skin texture to consider.

It almost seems too much and some will even give up as their confusion mounts, just washing and hoping,while environmental factors, the sun and even diet damage their skin. Yes, even diet is a very important yet simple factor. We learn early on that sugar alone can put that dreaded bright red bulls eye right there for all the world to see!

The beauty of this is that it can be quite simple.Think of it this way. Skin care goes all the way back to ancient civilizations. Choices were limited (they were creative but dangerous in some cases). The point is, that their lack of knowledge and resources forced them to go simple in their routine.

It wasn’t until the turn of the century that beauty products and the industry it has become today really started to take root. The beginning of unlimited choices and ensuing confusion began and now reigns today. But there’s hope. The key is to keep it simple. Most have found that simple and natural (even including the organic angle) is the best bet. Quicker too – a plus in today’s hurried society.

Here are some basic steps focusing on your face to get you started on the road to healthier, happier skin.Remember, healthy skin isn’t just for the ladies anymore. Healthy is healthy no matter your age or gender:

1. Most important. If you wear makeup you must remove it daily. Tempting as it may be at the end of a long day to just go to bed, this clogs the pores and you’re doomed before you even begin. Not to mention the fact that leaving eye makeup on for long periods can possibly lead to infection or at the very least irritated eyes. Speaking of your eyes: of all the skin on your body, the skin over your eyelids is the thinnest. Always be extra gentle when working around your eyelids. Even if you’re using a cotton ball. Here are just a couple cheap and simple solutions: Warm salt water for all skin types. Virgin olive oil and a cotton ball. The olive oil choice is good for all skin types as it does not clog the pores and is very close to the oil already in human skin. It is also extra helpful to people with dry skin.

2. Cleanse. Simple again here! This one can actually be fun as well as a great way to start a child off on the right foot to a lifelong habit of healthy skin care. All you need are one strawberry and 1 tablespoon softened sweet butter. Turn the strawberry into about 1 tablespoon pulp. Beat together with a fork until well blended. Apply to your face, leave on a few minutes and gently scrub. The seeds are a wonderful scrubbing agent without being harsh.The smell is so inviting.What child wouldn’t have a blast with this?

3. Moisturize. Once your skin is clean you still want to make sure it is protected without clogging your pores. Be sure to always do a thin layer as you want to seal in moisture but not smother your pores. Your skin will let you know if you are overdoing it.

4. Weekly mask. It’s good to do a cleansing mask once a week. Just remember not to overdo it on the cleansing.Your skin is tough and fragile all at once. Just like you! Take extra good care of your epidermis every day of your life.Remember, your skin has protected you from day one. Return the favor!