This wonderful protective organ of the body has many functions.
It prevents dehydration, it helps regulate temperature, it helps eliminate toxins from the body, it assists in the production of vitamin D, and it allows sensory perception through touch.
There are some things we can't avoid such as aging and menopause, but this article shows nine ways we can deliberately cause harm to healthy skin.
You will want to be aware of all nine so you can avoid or counteract them.
- Lack of sleep.
I once read a survey where numerous women were asked what was the number one thing they could do to improve their beauty.
The overwhelming answer was to get enough sleep.
When you don't get enough sleep, your skin cells do not have an opportunity to repair themselves.
This leaves you with skin that ages quickly.
It will begin to appear dull and dry, and your nails will also become brittle.
I guess that's why they call it beauty sleep! - Lack of hydration.
Moisturizing face and hands (and also neck, shoulders, and other areas) regularly keep skin supple and prevent dryness and cracking.
Drinking lots and lots of water also helps keep our skin hydrated and is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. - Lack of proper nutrition.
A diet high in fatty foods and artificial ingredients can be harmful to skin care.
Rather, choose a healthy diet with fresh vegetables--especially leafy greens, and beta-carotene rich foods, whole grains, and seafood.
Take antioxidants to fight wrinkle-causing free radicals. - Lack of exercise.
Exercise isn't just good for the heart; it is also good for the skin.
Exercise can actually decrease the signs of premature aging by promoting capillary functioning and collagen production. - Sun exposure.
Much has been written about the damage sun can do to the skin, so we all know about it, but often discount it's harmful effect.
If you could see the damages under a microscope, you would use sunscreen every day.
Remember to also protect the sensitive areas around your eyes with protective eyewear, like wraparound sunglasses. - Lack of proper cleansing and attention to skin.
Find cleaners and moisturizers that are proper for your skin type.
Provide cleaning as needed and offer proper nutrients for the skin.
Dry skin brushing and exfoliation of dead skin can help remove dulling factors. - Smoking.
Smoking increases wrinkles, especially around the mouth by breaking down the elastic fibers of the skin. - Excessive alcohol use, chemical pollution, and abrasive chemicals in cosmetics.
All of these should be avoided as they all contribute to wrinkles, premature aging, and damaged skin. - Stress.
Stress can have deleterious effects on every system of the body.
Finding ways to manage stress can be very beneficial to your skin as well as to your general well being.