The skin is the larger organ in the body. It defends against disease and infection, regulates temperature and in vitamin production. Keeping skin healthy is crucial for beauty and general health, even if most of the people are interested in knowing how to keep skin looking healthy, rather than really keeping it healthy. The best way to keep skin looking healthy – young, fair, radiant, supple, soft and wrinkle free – is to keep out of the sun.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun bring about a healthy-looking tan, but do much damage to the skin in terms of pigmentation, make a difference in how well you are able to protect yourself and your family from sunburn and loss of elasticity.
Use enough to cover your entire face and body (avoiding the eyes and mouth). An average-sized adult or child needs at least one ounce of sunscreen (about the amount it takes to fill a shot glass) to evenly cover the body from head to toe.
Sun protection factor (SPF)
Sunscreens are made in a wide range of SPFs.
The SPF value indicates the level of sunburn protection provided by the sunscreen product. All sunscreens are tested to measure the amount of UV radiation exposure it takes to cause sunburn when using a sunscreen.
Assuming that one is already sensible about sun exposure, when the sun's rays are most intense.
Wear clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats.
Use broad spectrum sunscreens with SPF values of 15 or higher regularly and as directed.
Supplement From Within The first group would be vitamins and minerals, essential for proper functioning of every organ. The vitamins and minerals that can affect skin health include the B-complex, especially B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B12 (cyanocobalamine). Overt deficiencies of vitamins B1 and B2 are known to cause special forms of dermatitis (a kind of skin inflammation). B12 deficiency is particularly detrimental to neurons and rapidly dividing cells, including skin cells. Besides the B vitamins, deficiency of vitamin C, iron and copper also affect skin health. All three are important for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein in the skin, which fills the skin and gives it tone. Vitamin A is critical for the normal life cycle of skin cells. Vitamin A deficiency causes skin to become dry, fragile and prone to wrinkles. On the other hand, excessive vitamin A intake may cause serious toxicity and should be avoided. Vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene have been touted as anti-oxidants that reduce free radicals. However, while free radicals and the role of anti-oxidants are beyond doubt, clinical results have not conclusively proved if supplementary vitamins and other micronutrients improve the skin quality and defy the aging process. Excessive doses can be just as harmful as deficiencies, so it is best to abide by the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
Frequently forgotten spots:
Ears
Nose
Lips
Back of neck
Hands
Tops of feet
Along the hairline
Areas of the head exposed by balding or thinning hair, Creams (preferably with skin whitening agents).
Types of sunscreen
Sunscreen comes in many forms, including:
Lotions
Creams
Sticks
Gels
Oils
Butters
Pastes
Sprays
We recommend you to make a holistic approach to skin health, comprising:
* A healthy balanced diet comprising all food groups as well as vitamins, minerals and micronutrients.
* Keep your surrounds positive moods. It is well documented that some skin conditions – such as acne and eczema – are more prevalent among the stressed.
* If you are smoking, avoid smoking. Smoke causes free radicals, damages the micro circulation of skin and also causes staining of teeth and other discoloration.
* To help make sunscreen a part of your daily routine, pick a sunscreen with sun protection.
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