Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body? That means keeping it clean and healthy is extremely important. Your skin is a part of the integumentary system, which also includes your hair, nails and exocrine glands.
Your skin can tell you a lot about your body. Different skin reactions, rashes, tones and textures can mean different health statuses of other organs in your body. Being able to signal allergies, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes, liver diseases, lupus, and more, your skin will tell you if something is going on. Be aware of certain signs and signals your skin may be telling you. If you experience red, swollen, itchy skin or even frequent acne, raised bumps, discoloration of the skin, or anything else out of the ordinary, you may want to consult with your primary care physician.
Acne
Acne is a common problem among teenagers and pre-teens as their bodies experience hormonal changes with puberty. Acne can also be prevalent in adults. Acne is caused by a number of reasons including hormone imbalances, diet, excess oils on your face and more. While more severe cases of acne need to be treated by a dermatologist, some cases can be treated at home with facial cleansers.
Healthy Skin Practices
So what can you do to keep your skin clear and healthy? Follow these simple steps to properly care for this vital organ:
Get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can affect more than tiredness, baggy eyes and headaches – it affects your skin. Not getting enough sleep over time can cause premature skin aging. This is because your body isn’t able to produce enough collagen to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
Wash gently and moisturize often. Your skin needs to be taken care of, gently. Over-cleaning, using abrasive chemicals and peels, and washing too rough or with harsh scrubs can be damaging to your skin. Be sure to shower with warm water, use conditioning and soft soaps, and moisturizing often can help your skin retain water and stay healthy.
Protect your skin from the sun and other environmental factors. Sun exposure can be damaging to your skin if it’s not properly protected. Using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your face everyday can help save your skin. Other environmental factors can include excessive heat, poison ivy and insect bites all can affect the health of your skin. When possible, try to avoid these common skin irritants.
Be mindful of your diet. Your diet can greatly affect your skin, especially the skin on your face. Sugary foods and dairy products can cause breakouts on your cheeks, while omega-3 fatty acids help with collagen production. Knowing what foods can hurt your skin and what foods can benefit your skin is important for maintaining healthy skin.
Watch your stress levels. High stress levels can impact your skin in a number of ways. Causing breakouts, rashes and exacerbated skin conditions, stress can be a burden on your skin. Managing your stress can lead to fewer breakouts and soother skin.
Your skin is a vital organ; care for it by keeping it moisturized and protecting it against harmful irritants. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can lead to healthy skin.