We spend billions of dollars each year on skin care products that promise the fountain of youth, when in fact, some actually contribute to the aging process. If you read the label of ingredients you may be surprised of what you are truly applying to your skin and how they affect the skin and your overall health.
The human skin is a remarkable organ, the bodies largest, but is often taken for granted. Most people are content with their skin until, dryness, oiliness, a rash or a wrinkle rouses attention. But once you know and understand how our skin functions, you may consider the importance of the skin and the quality of the content of the skin care products you use. Using natural skin care can make a difference.
FACE the facts:
1. An adult's skin comprises between 15 and 20 percent of the total body weight.
2. Each square centimeter has 6 million cells, 5000 sensory points, 100 sweat glands and 15 sebaceous glands.
Your skin is constantly being regenerated. Cells begin in the lower layers of the skin called the dermis, which is supplied with blood vessels and nerve endings. The cell migrates upward until it reaches the bottom portion of the epidermis, which is the outermost skin layer. The cell eventually makes it to the surface then dies and sheds. Two to three billion skin cells are shed daily. The body expends this effort to replace the skin every month because the skin constitutes the first line of defense against dehydration, infection, injuries and temperature extremes. Skin cells can detoxify harmful substances with many of the same enzymatic process the liver uses. The unbroken surface also prevents infectious organisms from penetrating into the systemic circulation. As a gate keeper, the skin absorbs and uses nutrients applied topically. Because your skin can't discriminate, the skin may absorb the synthetic chemicals often present in soaps, lotions, and other "skin care" products, which at best it has no use for and at worst can be toxic and irritating.
The Epidermis
The epidermis is the outer most layer of the skin. It is the first barrier between you and the outside world. The epidermis consists of three types of cells keratinocytes, melanocytes and langerhans cells. Keratinocytes, the cells that make protein keratin, are the predominant type of cells in the epidermis. As they make their way through the process, they lose water, flatten out and move upward. Eventually reaching the surface, and hardening. This layer is called stratum corneum (dead skin cells) which slough off and are replaced with new ones. A pure natural organic skin peel will help this process and keep your skin fresh.
Another significant group of cells in the epidermis are melanocytes, the cells producing melanin, the pigment responsible for skin tone and color. Finally, Lanerhans cells are essentially the front door of the immune system in the epidermis. They prevent unwanted foreign substances from penetrating the skin.
Since the human epidermis is renewed every 15-60 days, proper surface nutrition feeds the cells of the basal layer. Exfoliation will remove dry or damaged skin of the outer layer to allow newer cells to be visable
The condition of your epidermis determines how "fresh" your skin looks and also how well your skin absorbs and holds moisture. Therefore, "feed your face", an organic facial will begin to rejuvenate your skin so you look brighter and are healthier. Continuing a healthy skin care regiment using Organic products will maintain your skins health and your well being.
Submitted by Nova Spa Rocky Hill, CT (860) 257 1004 www.NovaSpaRockyHill.com 1845 Silas Deane Highway Rocky Hill, CT 06067. We are CT licensed massage therapists and aestheticians Nationally Certified in therapeutic Massage with 12 years of experience working in Rocky Hill area. Members of American Massage Therapy Association.
Published: May edition Nutmeg Magazine
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