It’s your largest organ and provides your body with an outer layer to protect you against harsh elements. Here’s how to keep your skin healthy and strong.
You probably don’t give your skin too much thought, beyond maybe the wrinkles on your face. But it’s one of, if not the most important organs and is crucial to your survival and overall health.
More than just a cover for your insides, your skin plays a number of roles, including regulating your body temperature, synthesising sunlight into vitamin D and producing melanin.
Your skin also acts as something of an immune early warning system.
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Dermatologist Dr Barry Goldman told Healthline that healthy skin protects against pathogens entering the body. And even if the skin as damaged and pathogens do enter, skin cells can signal to immune cells that something requires their immediate attention.
“Intact skin can prevent pathogens from gaining a foothold,” he said.
“A disrupted skin barrier allows bacteria and viruses to penetrate deeper into the skin and cause infection. Skin cells team up and organise immune signals to help the body protect against and attack pathogens.
“White blood cells from the body constantly circulate through the skin, conducting immune surveillance.”
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How to protect your skin
Diet
One of the best ways to keep your skin healthy is to maintain a healthy diet.
Dermatologist Dr Kemunto Mokaya recommends foods rich antioxidants, including dark leafy greens, spinach, kale and berries.
You’ll also want to eat foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as salmon, walnuts and chia seeds to strengthen your skin’s lipid (fat) barrier, an added protective layer.
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Probiotics such as those found in yoghurt, as well prebiotics found in fresh fruit and vegetables, can also help boost the lipid barrier.
Try to limit your intake of high-sugar or highly processed food items.
Skin care products
There are more skin care products on the market than you can poke a stick at. It can be truly overwhelming trying to work out what’s real and what’s snake oil.
Dr Mokaya says there are really only three skincare products you need – a basic daily cleanser suited to your skin type; a high-quality moisturiser and a broad-spectrum, 50+ SPF sunscreen to protect from harsh UV rays.
Do you take good care of your skin? Do you have any skincare tips to share? Let us know in the comments section below.
