Skin Health

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text woodmart_inline=”no” text_larger=”no”]The skin is the body’s largest organ, made of water, protein, fats and minerals. Your skin protects your body from germs and regulates body temperature. Nerves in the skin help you feel sensations like hot and cold.

Your skin, along with your hair, nails, oil glands and sweat glands, is part of the integumentary (in-TEG-you-MENT-a-ree) system. “Integumentary” means a body’s outer covering.

Good skin care is important for the following reasons:

• It helps your skin stay in good condition: You’re shedding skin cells throughout the day, so it’s important to keep your skin glowing and in good condition. An effective routine can help prevent acne, treat wrinkles, and help keep your skin looking its best.

• Your skin will look more youthful: As you age, your skin’s cells turn over more slowly, make it look duller and less radiant. Using a quality skin care line can help remove dead skin cells so your body will replace them with newer, more youthful cells.

• Prevention is easier than correction: Preventing skin problems is easier -– and less costly – than trying to fix them in the future.

• Your self-confidence will get a boost: When your skin looks better, you’ll feel better about yourself and have more self-confidence.

Skin Disorders

Skin disorders vary greatly in symptoms and severity. They can be temporary or permanent, and may be painless or painful. Some have situational causes, while others may be genetic. Some skin conditions are minor, and others can be life-threatening.

While most skin disorders are minor, others can indicate a more serious issue. Contact your doctor if you think you might have one of these common skin problems.

Blister

• Characterized by watery, clear, fluid-filled area on the skin
• May be smaller than 1 cm (vesicle) or larger than 1 cm (bulla) and occur alone or in groups
• Can be found anywhere on the body

Eczema

• Yellow or white scaly patches that flake off
• Affected areas may be red, itchy, greasy, or oily
• Hair loss may occur in the area with the rash

Psoriasis

• Scaly, silvery, sharply defined skin patches
• Commonly located on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back
• May be itchy or asymptomatic

Hives

• Itchy, raised welts that occur after exposure to an allergen
• Red, warm, and mildly painful to the touch
• Can be small, round, and ring-shaped or large and randomly shaped

Acne

• Commonly located on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back
• Breakouts on the skin composed of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or deep, painful cysts and nodules
• May leave scars or darken the skin if untreated

Cold sore

• Red, painful, fluid-filled blister that appears near the mouth and lips
• Affected area will often tingle or burn before the sore is visible
• Outbreaks may also be accompanied by mild, flu-like symptoms such as low fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes

Actinic keratosis

• Typically less than 2 cm, or about the size of a pencil eraser
• Thick, scaly, or crusty skin patch
• Appears on parts of the body that receive a lot of sun exposure (hands, arms, face, scalp, and neck)
• Usually pink in color but can have a brown, tan, or gray base

Rosacea

• Chronic skin disease that goes through cycles of fading and relapse
• Relapses may be triggered by spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, sunlight, stress, and the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori
• There are four subtypes of rosacea encompassing a wide variety of symptoms
• Common symptoms include facial flushing, raised, red bumps, facial redness, skin dryness, and skin sensitivity

Carbuncle

• Red, painful, and irritated lump under your skin
• May be accompanied by fever, body aches, and fatigue
• Can cause skin crustiness or oozing

Latex allergy

• Rash may occur within minutes to hours after exposure to a latex product
• Warm, itchy, red wheals at the site of contact that may take on a dry, crusted appearance with repeated exposure to latex
• Airborne latex particles may cause cough, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes
• A severe allergy to latex can cause swelling and difficulty breathing

Cellulitis

• Caused by bacteria or fungi entering through a crack or cut in the skin
• Red, painful, swollen skin with or without oozing that spreads quickly
• Hot and tender to the touch
• Fever, chills, and red streaking from the rash might be a sign of serious infection requiring medical attention

Measles

• Symptoms include fever, sore throat, red, watery eyes, loss of appetite, cough, and runny nose
• Red rash spreads from the face down the body three to five days after first symptoms appear
• Tiny red spots with blue-white centers appear inside the mouth

Basal cell carcinoma

• Raised, firm, and pale areas that may resemble a scar
• Dome-like, pink or red, shiny, and pearly areas that may have a sunk-in center, like a crater
• Visible blood vessels on the growth
• Easy bleeding or oozing wound that doesn’t seem to heal, or heals and then reappears

Check your skin type at home

You can do a physical test to check your skin type. A home test measures sebum production. Sebum is a waxy, oily liquid that comes from your pores. The amount of sebum your skin produces can determine if your skin is:

• dry
• oily
• normal
• combination

Testing sebum production on a clean face is the most accurate way to determine what kind of skin you have. Follow these steps:

1. Wash your face and pat it dry. Wait 30 minutes.
2. Gently press oil blotting paper or tissue on your face. Press the paper on different areas of your skin, such as your forehead and nose, cheeks, and chin.
3. Hold the sheet to the light to see how transparent the paper is.

Along with the above skin types, you can also have sensitive skin, which doesn’t follow the sebum criteria. Sensitive skin depends on:

• how fast your skin reacts to product application
• how well your skin protects itself
• how easily your skin turns red
• likelihood of skin allergy

Nutrition is important for health. An unhealthy diet can damage your metabolism, cause weight gain, and even damage organs, such as your heart and liver.

But what you eat also affects another organ your skin.

As scientists learn more about diet and the body, it’s increasingly clear that what you eat can significantly affect the health and aging of your skin.

How to improve skin health and care

You may suspect you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, but do you really know your skin type? Knowing your true skin type can help the next time you’re in the cosmetics aisle. In fact, using the wrong products  or even popularized Internet hacks for your skin type could worsen acne, dryness, or other skin problems.

Read on to learn:

• how to build your own skin care routine
• how to treat specific skin concerns like acne or scars
• which DIY skin hacks aren’t healthy, even if they seem to work

 

The following components can create a good, effective skin care routine:

• Moisturizer: Moisturizers should be used every time you wash your face, even if you have oily skin. If you have this type of skin, choose an oil-free or gel product.
• Sunscreen: Even if your moisturizer has a sunscreen, it can still help to use a separate sunscreen every day, even if it’s cloudy. Choose one that provides broad-spectrum protection and has an SPF of at least 30.
• Exfoliator: Exfoliators are optional and can be used after a cleanser but before a moisturizer. They should only be used a maximum of once or twice a week.
• Cleanser: Wash your face gently with a product designed for your face. If you have dry skin, you’ll want to choose a cleanser that doesn’t have alcohol, and if you have oily skin, look for an oil-free cleanser. Afterward, rinse with warm water.
• Toner: Toner is used after washing your face, and it helps smooth and calm skin while restoring nutrients.
• Serum: A serum can help address specific issues, such as redness.

There are ways to tackle skin problems without damaging your skin. Just remember the number one rule of skin care: Don’t pick! Picking at acne, blackheads, scabs, or other skin problems can cause open wounds or darker skin spots known as hyperpigmentation. Open wounds can lead to infections, more acne, or scars. The deeper the wound, the more likely your skin will scar.

Here are some scientifically backed ways to treat problem areas.

Sebaceous filaments

Sebaceous filaments are tiny, cylinder-like tubes in your pores that are whitish yellow. These are often confused with blackheads, but blackheads are actually a type of acne that’s oxidized. Sebaceous filaments can make your pores look bigger, and you may be tempted to remove them by pinching your skin or using pore strips. But these methods may have more side effects than benefits for your skin, especially if you don’t do them properly.

Overtime, you can also cause:

• irritation
• open pores and infection
• dryness
• redness
• peeling

Topical preparations containing retinol or retinoids can help keep pores clear and clean. You may also find benefits from massaging your face with mineral or castor oil for one minute.

Another way of removing sebaceous filaments is with an extraction tool. This is a small metal instrument with a tiny circle at the end.

The safest method is to have an esthetician or dermatologist remove them for you, but you can also do this at home:

1. Start with a clean face and instrument.
2. Gently press the circle around the bump to see if the filament comes out. Be careful as excessive pressure can cause bruising and scarring.
3. Treat the area with toner and moisturizer after.
4. Always sanitize your instrument with rubbing alcohol before and after use to prevention infections.

You may also see extra benefits by applying benzoyl peroxide after washing before extraction.

Acne

Acne treatment depends on how deep or serious your acne is. Overall skin care is the most important step in treating acne, but for mild acne you can use nonprescription products from your local drugstore such as:

• salicylic acid (Stridex maximum strength acne pads)
• benzoyl peroxide (Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 acne medication)
• alpha hydroxy acids
• adapalene
• tea tree oil

Always apply sunscreen after using these products in the morning, since they can cause extra skin sensitivity.

For immediate, inflamed, and individual pimples, you can also try acne patches or stickers. These are clear, thick patches that work as spot treatments to help promote blemish healing and prevent infections. Like blister bandages, acne patches pull out the fluid, sometimes overnight. It’s best to use these before you sleep as makeup can’t cover them.

Blemishes, scars, and hyperpigmentation

Blemishes, scars, and dark spots can take anywhere from a few weeks to six months to heal and fade. Immediate treatment for scars and blemishes include using makeup and sunscreen to avoid further sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

Best foods for Skin Health

Cucumber

Cucumbers are rich in water, vitamin C, and folic acid. “Cucumber promotes skin health both from the inside and the outside,” Shapiro says. “Eat it to keep your skin hydrated and for the antioxidants to prevent skin damage long term. Put it on your face to decrease inflammation, reduce swelling, and promote healing from sun damage. Cucumber is soothing, hydrating, and contains silica which will hydrate and strengthen your skin.”

Walnuts

Walnuts have many characteristics that make them an excellent food for healthy skin. They’re a good source of essential fatty acids, which are fats that your body cannot make itself. In fact, they’re richer than most other nuts in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. A diet too high in omega-6 fats may promote inflammation, including inflammatory conditions of your skin like psoriasis.

On the other hand, omega-3 fats reduce inflammation in your body — including in your skin. While omega-6 fatty acids are plentiful in the Western diet, sources of omega-3 fatty acids are rare. Because walnuts contain a good ratio of these fatty acids, they may help fight the potential inflammatory response to excessive omega-6. What’s more, walnuts contain other nutrients that your skin needs to function properly and stay healthy.

One ounce (28 grams) of walnuts contains 8% of the DV for zinc. Zinc is essential for your skin to function properly as a barrier. It’s also necessary for wound healing and combating both bacteria and inflammation

Walnuts also provide small amounts of the antioxidants vitamin E and selenium, in addition to 4–5 grams of protein per ounce (28 grams)

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are rich in plant-based Omega 3s, protein, and soluble fiber. “Omega 3s in chia seeds provide an anti-inflammatory effect and can protect the skin from inflammatory conditions, like eczema, hyperpigmentation, etc.,”10

Minchin says. “Additionally, protein is at the foundation of healthy skin structure. And finally, soluble fiber can help keep the gut healthy, which may boost healthy probiotic balance in the gut and ultimately the skin. Chia seeds are also very hydrating, helping keep the skin plump.”

Avocados

Avocados are high in healthy fats. These fats benefit many functions in your body, including the health of your skin. Getting enough of these fats is essential to help keep skin flexible and moisturized.

One study involving over 700 women found that a high intake of total fat — specifically the types of healthy fats found in avocados  was associated with more supple, springy skin Preliminary evidence also shows that avocados contain compounds that may help protect your skin from sun damage. UV damage to your skin can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging Avocados are also a good source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that helps protect your skin from oxidative damage. Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin E through their diet. Interestingly, vitamin E seems to be more effective when combined with vitamin C Vitamin C is also essential for healthy skin. Your skin needs it to create collagen, which is the main structural protein that keeps your skin strong and healthy

Vitamin C deficiency is rare these days, but common symptoms include dry, rough, and scaly skin that tends to bruise easily. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from oxidative damage caused by the sun and the environment, which can lead to signs of aging.

Sweet Potato

Shapiro and Minchen both recommend consuming sweet potatoes. The vegetable is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, and antioxidants. “Beta carotene (a vitamin A precursor) and vitamin A itself fight discoloration and early signs of aging in the skin by supporting healthy skin renewal,” Minchen says. “Vitamin E supports collagen in the skin, and antioxidants fight inflammation-related skin damage.”

Sunflower seeds

In general, nuts and seeds are good sources of skin-boosting nutrients. Sunflower seeds are an excellent example. One ounce (28 grams) of sunflower seeds packs 49% of the DV for vitamin E, 41% of the DV for selenium, 14% of the DV for zinc, and 5.5 grams of protein

Salmon

Salmon is rich in antioxidants that calm inflammation, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “The free fatty acids serve as building blocks for healthy skin cells.” How, exactly? “Since our bodies don’t have the ability to produce the fatty acids, [eating them] helps reinforce your skin’s barrier, and keeps moisture in and irritants out,”

Watermelon

“Though it may sound counterintuitive, the high concentration of water in watermelon can actually reduce the water retention that leads to puffiness around the eyes,” says Baumann. “And because watermelon is low in sugar—well, compared to many other fruits—you don’t have to worry about glycation, the chemical reaction that compromises collagen and leads to lines and wrinkles.”

Good Oils

High-quality oils like cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil and avocado oil are brimming with nutrients that may benefit your skin including essential fatty acids and vitamin E. “The healthy monounsaturated fat [in olive oil] is so good for skin health, moisture, and elasticity,” Smith says.

Edamame

Edamame is the most wholesome form of soy. “It contains isoflavone, which has been shown to prevent wrinkles and promote skin health,” Shapiro explains. “It can also promote collagen production, keeping the skin more elastic and therefore results in fewer wrinkles.”

Tomatoes

“Tomatoes contain lutein and lycopene—two powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients that may be skin protective,” Smith says. “Also, tomatoes have a good amount of water volume so they are hydrating as well, which is always helpful.”

Non-Dairy Milk

Non-dairy milk options might not actively work to clear up your skin, but switching from dairy milk to an alternative option could make all the difference in your acne breakouts. Although Bowe says there are studies linking skim milk and dairy milk with acne (likely due to the whey and casein found in dairy) she adds that you don’t have to give up dairy completely in the name of clear skin.

“The studies show that there’s an association between milk and ice cream and acne, but there’s not an association with yogurt and cheese with acne,” she explains. “We think that’s because of the prebiotic benefit that’s found in the cheese and yogurt, so that sort of negates the negative effects of the dairy.” In other words, stick with the yogurt, but pass on the skim milk.

Kale

This leafy green is rich in vitamin A, which is an antioxidant and promotes healthy skin cell turnover, says Zeichner. As mentioned earlier, vitamin A is also a big ingredient found in Retin-A, a medication used to treat acne. Legend has it that applying kale topically helps diminish the visibility of bruises, scars, stretch marks, and spider veins.

Almonds

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent signs of aging caused by free radicals and may even bolster your skin’s defense against skin cancer. “Studies also suggest that vitamin E consumed orally can increase its levels on the skin’s surface, which is good news for those with dry skin,” Baumann adds.

Peppers

Yellow and green peppers are packed with carotenoids, another antioxidant that decreases sun sensitivity, diminishing the appearance of fine lines around the eyes and crow’s feet, says Papantoniou.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]