More Than Just Skin Deep (Part 1)
Skin care is not only skin deep; your skin depends on the rest of the body for its healthy existence. To ensure that the skin functions well and remains attractive, skin care has to come from both within and without. Extra care, however, is required for facial skin as it is the most vulnerable and fragile of all body skin.
Care From “Within”
For good skin health one needs a balanced diet as all types of nutrients are essential for the skin from Vitamin A to Zinc.
Water
Proper elimination is essential for skin health. Water is the medium by which waste products are carried to be removed. You need to consume 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day for this purpose. Fresh foods contain large quantities of water. You also need a diet high in natural fiber from raw vegetables, fruits and whole grains to aid the elimination process.
Nutrients
All the nutrients your body needs for optimum health, your skin needs to keep it ‘in shape’. Some nutrients are particularly vital for healthy skin. Vitamin A, sometimes called the ‘skin vitamin’, is found in dairy products, fish and fish liver oils, carrots, dark green leafy vegetables, cantaloupe melons, mangoes and papayas.
The B-complex vitamins aid blood circulation in the skin. They help build and repair the body’s cells and produce resilient skin.
Vitamin C is essential for the formation and maintenance of collagen. Collagen gives strength and elasticity to all the structures it supports. Vitamin C therefore contributes to skin that is firm and attractive. It is also needed to promote healing and to help the body fight disease. All fresh vegetables and fruits are good sources, particularly if eaten raw. Vitamin E improves circulation and prevents harmful oxidation of fats by increasing the oxygen supply to cells and tissues. It plays an important role in the transport, absorption and storage of Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin E is found in nuts, broccoli and legumes.
Minerals play a part in ensuring healthy skin. They need to be taken in good balance from the diet, or as mineral and vitamin supplements, if necessary.
Exercise
Exercise also has a vital role to play in keeping skin healthy. It stimulates circulation, improving cell nutrition. It also helps to relieve stress and gives you a sense of well-being.
