BASICS OF SKINCARE AND SKIN HEALTH

“Beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle.”

At the time of this pandemic, when the festival of Diwali is around the corner, we all wish our skin to appear healthy and glowing but cannot risk our health for the facial sessions and SPA treatments. There is one question that each one of us should ask ourselves- “Do we want gorgeous skin only on some occasions”? Definitely ‘NO’.

Forever healthy-looking skin is something everyone loves to have. The next question that comes to our mind is, how? It is essential to properly look after the skin, which is an integral part of our body. Indulging yourself religiously to a skincare routine is not enough but taking care of skin health is also significant.

Therefore, without much ado, let us delve deeper to understand about our skin, its different layers, skincare and skin health.

DEFINITION OF SKIN

The skin is the outer covering of the body and is the largest organ consisting of seven layers of ectodermal tissue and guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments, internal organs and significantly varies in anatomy and function.

FUNCTIONS OF SKIN

The first five layers form the epidermis, which is the outermost thick layer of the skin. Maintaining body temperature and preventing water loss, the skin also acts as a barrier against germs, UV light, chemicals and injury.

The skin’s epidermal(outer) layer has cells that contain melanin which protects the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can burn the skin, and over time, could reduce its elasticity and cause a person to age prematurely. Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to sun tanning, causing the skin to produce more melanin and to darken. The tan fades as these cells move toward the surface.

Too much exposure to ultraviolet or UV rays can cause sunburn. UV rays penetrate the outer skin layers and pass into the deeper layers, where they can damage or kill skin cells. People who do not have much melanin and sunburn easily should protect themselves by covering up sensitive areas, wearing sunblock and limiting their total sun exposure time. Frequent and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays over many years can cause skin cancer.

LAYERS OF SKIN

There are seven layers of the skin which includes-

1) Stratum corneum (outer layer)- This is the topmost layer of the skin made of keratin and, it acts as a first-line defence against external agents. This layer varies greatly in thickness in various regions of the body when compared to the other layers.

2) Stratum lucidum (thin layer)- Palms and soles, which has thicker-skin have this thin translucent layer.

3) Stratum granulosum (granular layer)- The chemicals (glycolipids) secreted in this layer keep the skin cells glued to each other.

4) Stratum spinosum (spinous layer or prickle cell layer)- This layer contains dendritic cells, which are the skin’s first line defenders.

5) Stratum germinativum or Stratum basale (basal layer)- The deepest layer of the epidermis, the cells in this layer produces keratinocytes, which play a vital role in the formation of Vitamin D with exposure to sunlight. It also forms a protein, keratin, and lipids; these act as a protective barrier. This layer also contains melanocytes which produce melanin, which is a natural pigment responsible for the colour of the skin.

6) Dermis- Collagen in this layer gives skin flexibility and strength.

Few other functions of this layer are-

-The nerve endings sense the pain, touch, pressure and temperature.

-The sweat glands produce sweat with exposure to heat and stress. As sweat evaporates off the skin, your body cools down.

-The sebaceous glands secrete sebum into the skin, an oily substance that keeps the skin moist, soft and also acts as a barrier against foreign substances.

-The hair follicles produce the various types of hair found throughout the body. The hair regulates body temperature and external injury.

-The blood vessels of the dermis provide nutrients to the skin and help regulate body temperature.

7) Hypodermis-The hypodermis is the deepest layer of skin situated below the dermis, also known as subcutaneous fascia or subcutaneous layer. Along with some structures like hair follicles, nerve endings and blood vessels, it contains fats which help to insulate the body from heat and cold and serve as an energy storage area.

The thickness of the skin varies all over the body, the palms and soles contain an extra layer, the stratum lucidum due to which they have the thickest skin. Eyelids and behind the ear skin are the thinnest.

SKINCARE VS SKIN HEALTH

Skincare and skin health are the terms often misunderstood and interchanged.

Religiously practising a routine for enhancing the appearance and relieving skin conditions is skincare. The products applied on your skin daily, taking monthly facials, undergoing the cosmetic and medical treatments to reduce the skin issues are all part of skincare.

SKINCARE ROUTINE

Consider incorporating the following in your skincare routine-

1) Choose the right skincare product according to your skin type.

2) Cleanse, tone and moisturize (CTM) your skin daily.

3) Use sunscreen regularly when at home or going out.

4) Remove your makeup before sleeping to avoid clogging your pores as a result risking your skin to unhygienic consequences.

5) Exfoliate 2–3 times a week to remove the dead skin cells that accumulate on its surface.

6) Try a face mask at least once a week according to your skin type and issue.

7) Do not forget to moisturize your lips with a lip balm, lip cream or lip serum.

8) Using lip scrub once a week will soften your lips.

9)The eye skin is thinner than the skin on the other parts of the face, therefore apply eye cream to remove dark circles and reduce puffiness.

Smooth, firm, even-toned skin with no breaks in the surface, hydrated, disease-free, neither dry nor flaky nor moist or wrinkled are signs of healthy skin; it is a mirror of a healthy body.

Want to include products with natural ingredients your skincare regime? Check out here.

Cultivating the best skincare regime for dry skin is tough for me during winters but a few minutes of Me Time every day helps keep the skin healthy.

SOME TIPS TO ACHIEVE A HEALTHY SKIN

1) Take a Healthy Diet- Eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of protein foods, fruits and vegetables (fresh if possible). Drink at least 6–8 glasses of water per day.

2) Keep Your Body Moisturized- Bathe with warm water, use mild soap, apply lotion or cream immediately after washing to retain skin moisture.

3) Don’t Forget Your Beauty Sleep- Banish those dark circles around your eyes also, improve your skin tone by getting 7–9 hours of sleep.

4) No Smoking Please- Nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to become constricted, prevent blood, oxygen and nutrients from flowing to the body tissues. Hence, if you want good-skin avoid smoking.

5) Keep Stress at Bay- To stay away from acne, hair loss and scaly skin avoid stress.

CONCLUSION

Changes such as ageing, illness, wounds, burns, skin diseases, can subsequently damage this organ. The products applied, the food and other intakes in addition to understanding the routine that best suits your skin will give useful insights into your skin’s health.

Starting an effective skincare regime is necessary; to keep your skin healthy and young does not mean purchasing expensive products. Put an end to dull and lifeless skin by following simple steps and bringing some alteration in your lifestyle. If you wish to age gracefully and look youthful, never forget to moisturize, hydrate and protect your skin from damage.

To know some beauty hacks, check our blog 5 Amazing beauty tips and other hacks using tea.

Are you following a proper skincare routine? Is your skin healthy?