*“Mirror mirror on the wall, who has the most beautiful skin of us all”
Yes this is not exactly from the fairly tale snowhite, but I would like to tell you a story which takes you through the largest organ of our body! Skin
Skin is a beautiful gift to us by god; just becoz we have smooth and lustrous skin we look so different from animals, can you imagine this world full of people with hair /fur all over the body.
My aim behind writing this whole article is to make you realize that this prized possession of ours need to be taken care of and pampered.
My tour would include basic knowledge about structure of skin its functions and finally daily care of body and face separately.
Anatomical description of skin
Skin is composed of the epidermis *and the *dermis below it lays the *hypodermis(subcutaneous adipose layer).
The outermost epidermis consists of stratified squamous epithelium .The main type of cells which make up the epidermis are keratinocytes, melanocytes and Langerhans cells.
Cell cycle or keratinization is continuous generation of new cells which takes place within about 30 days.
The underneath layer i.e. dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, smooth muscle, gland and lymphatic tissue, connective tissue - collagen, elastin and reticular fibers. Erector pili muscles contraction causes goose bumps. Sebaceous glands produce sebum which helps in lubrication, water proofing, softening and has antibacterial action. Sweat glands open into the skin through a pore which helps in excretion of toxins and sweat.
The hypodermis lies below the dermis. Its purpose is to attach the skin to underlying bone and muscle as well as supplying it with blood vessels and nerves. Also contains 50% of body fat which serves as padding and insulation for the body.
*Functions
*Protection from external environmental factors like heat, sunrays, dust, chemicals, pollutants, radiation etc.
Largest sense organ which accurately perceives heat, cold, touch, vibration and pain.
Vitamin D synthesis from sunlight and storage Storage of fat and water
Elimination of toxins by sweating
Temperature Regulation Cosmetic and pschycosocial enhancement to our body
Absorption: Oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide can diffuse itself into the epidermis in small amounts.
In addition, formulations can be administered through the skin in form of ointments, creams, serums manually, ultrasonic or iontophoresis. Works as an immunological organ & barrier to various bacterial, viral, fungal infections.
Daily care regimen for skin
Its not that only our face needs to be taken care of. Like we eat well to remain fit similarly some steps taken on daily basis would help you a lot in maintaining healthy skin.
CLEANSING
The type of Soap/Body wash is recommended according to skin texture.
·(a) for dry skin: Glycerin/moisturizer containing soaps ·
(b) Normal skin: soap with TFM > 70%
(c) Oily & Sweaty skin: Anti-Septic/lemon, neem, orange extracts containing soaps .
EXFOLIATION
Scrubbing *of skin should be done about in once a week(oily/normal skin) and 10 days(dry skin) using body scrubs /bath salts again available according to skin types.(If too busy then using loofah* with your daily soap can be helpful.
TONING/MOISTURISING:
Is done according to skin type: viz. lotions can be water based for oily/ normal skin and cream/glycerin based for dry skin. Avoid sticky cold creams/Vaseline on full body, as this if not applied properly may lead to eruptions/infections. If you stay in a very cold /dry climatic area using oils(Olive, Til, Castor) could be a better option.
This step makes your skin soft & supple, also provides you with a barrier for infections, tan, eczemas.
SUN PROTECTION:
Always apply sunscreen on the exposed areas like neck, back, arms and feet *(remember to apply it 20 min before going out in sun). *This not only prevents tan but also reduces the risk of some skin dermatitis, ageing and cancers .