Your skin
is the largest organ in your body, and it has a number of vital functions. It
regulates blood temperature; it stores blood; it protects us from the external
environment; it detects sensation; it excretes and absorbs substances; and it
synthesizes vitamin D.
In medical
terminology it is known as the Integumentary System, and of all the body's
systems none is more easily inspected, or exposed to infection, disease, or
injury.
It reflects
our emotions (frowning, blushing etc), and the levels of functioning of normal
physiology and homeostasis (sweating, and deficiencies are just a couple of
examples.
The diagram
below is a very detailed view of all the components that make up the
skin, in cross section. I won't bore everyone with everything about this, but
will cover the important stuff that relates to how massage, and the products we
use day in day out can make to our skins.
Our skin
covers an area of between 1.2 and 2m². It is about 12% of our body weight.
Being constantly in touch with the environment around us it has to be tough
enough to withstand physical and chemical attack, and be sensitive enough to
respond to subtle changes in both our internal and external environment.
Healthy
skin provides protection from:
- physical injury
- chemical damage
- infra-red/ultraviolet damage
- invasion by bacteria and other micro-organisms
- sudden temperature changes
- excessive water loss
- penetration by foreign bodies
- allergens
Essentially our skin is made up of layers, from the deepest layer - the
subcutaneous (fat), through the dermal, and into the epidermal layer. These
layers have layers within them too.
The Subcutaneous layer isn't technically part of the skin, and consists
of fatty tissue and fibres that extend from the dermis to anchor the skin into
this layer, and subsequently attaching to underlying fascia (connective tissue)
around muscles and bones. It is a storage depot for fat, and has large blood
vessels that supply the skin. It also contains nerve endings. This layer
cushions the internal organs from shocks, acts as an insulator, and can be a
source of energy when required.
The Dermis provides the packing material, which supports all the other
stuctures. It contains collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining
healthy looking skin. Collagen gives the skin it's structure, and elastin it's
elasticity. When these degrade, skin loses its plumpness, and wrinkles can
appear. This woven network of cells has great tensile strength, and stretch and
recoil easily. Its thickness changes throughout the body, being at its thickest
in areas such as the palms and soles of the feet. Stretch marks are a form of
internal scarring that occurs in this layer of the skin. If harmful organisms
or chemicals penetrate the dermis, they get transported round the body by the
blood, causing widespread problems.
The Epidermis forms the outer protective covering of the body, it is
designed to keep out the bad, and keep in the good. It varies in thickness
throughout the body, being at its thickest on our palms and the soles of our
feet. This outer skin is made up of stratified (layers) squamous (made up of
scales) epithelium (covering cells). It is a production line that converts
living cells at the base of this layer, into dead, hardened and compacted
layers of protein (keratin) on the outer surface (keratinisation). The cells of
the epidermis are more loosely packed in the upper layers to prepare them for
desquamation (shedding) which is happening continuously to remove debris and
micro-organisms which may otherwise settle on the skin and cause infections.
The rate at which this cycle of cell production, keratinisation, then
desquamation depends on the body's available energy. This is why when we
overeat/undereat/have dis-ease/muscle tension etc. our skin can look so tired
and dull. All the body's energy is going to other areas to 'heal' or undertake
other processes. Therapeutic intervention is not just about beauty treatments
to make the skin look good - it is also to help improve the cycle of
regeneration above, so skin stays youthful looking, plump, and healthy - with
good levels of collagen and elastin, and with a great blood supply of
nutrients, fluid and oxygen, and great functioning of lymph to get rid of
toxins.
All forms of massage, and reflexology improve blood circulation to the
skin, speeding up this process, so keeping our skin smooth and supple and able
to withstand external invaders - pollutions, irritants, allergens etc. It can
also help improve the visual appearance of cellulite, and the brightness and
tone of our skin. Facials aren't just about looking good - they are an
essential part of a healthy skin routine too.
My top recommendations are to body brush daily, long strokes towards the
heart - starting at your feet; body scrub once or twice a week, and keep clean
and moisturised. Think about having a regular massage treatment once a month to
really keep your skin looking and feeling great!
So we get to the key part of this – your simple, straightforward,
foolproof way to achieve a healthy skin.
Step 1 -Have a great skincare range for your face that includes a
cleanser, toner, oil or serum, and moisturiser twice daily
Step 2 - Add in a natural facial scrub once or twice a week.
Step 3 - Use a moisturising or deep cleansing mask weekly –
Step 4 - Stick with it, and enjoy the results. Your skin will almost
sing with glowing health!
Now, we get to the bit about it's as important what you put in you, as
well as on you. Many of us have been steadily moving towards foods without
chemical additives; that are less processed; and aim to be organic where
possible. Yet we then continue to use products filled with synthetic chemicals;
derivatives from the petrochemical industry; that are skin irritants; and have
oestrogenic properties. As you have just read, if our skin isn't in optimal
health it isn't always the protective barrier we think it is - these chemicals
can easily be absorbed into our blood streams.
We are what we eat, and what we put onto our skin - so I am of the
school of thought that if you aren't sure what it is, or what it does - don't
eat it or put it onto your skin or hair! If in doubt, go for products that
leave these potentially harmful things like mineral oils, 'parfum', and
parabens out.
This is why I use Neal's Yard Remedies Organic products on myself, and you
- my wonderful clients. They are 100 % natural, Soil Association Certified,
Fairtrade, and on top of that are a British family run company who really care.
And you all deserve the very best, very purest products that I can provide you
with.
No comments:
Post a Comment