5 Tips for Keeping Your Skin Healthy

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. Skin, hair, nails, and other structures within it make up the integumentary system. This system is your body’s first line of defense for keeping pathogens, such as virus and bacteria, out of your body. The integumentary system helps create vitamin D from the sun, regulates your body temperature, removes waste from your body, and allows you to recognize sensations of heat, cold, and touch. Healthy skin promotes overall health and vitality.

The longer days and warmer weather of summer call us outdoors. Weather and comfy clothes can bring more exposure to skin damaging conditions. While caring for your skin is a year-long endeavor, this season brings more attention to this oh-so-important organ. Here are five simple things you can do today to keep your skin healthy.

1. Protect skin from the sun and harsh weather.

Sun burns, wind burns, dry air, and chilly weather can all damage skin. Protect your skin from damaging weather and the sun with clothing, shade, and sun block. Avoid sun burns, wind burn, or frost bite. These can all damage skin now and may cause future skin issues.

2. Stay hydrated.

Drinking plenty of water will help you feel healthy inside and out. Drink water throughout the day every day. A good rule of thumb is that your urine should be almost clear when you are sufficiently hydrated. Talk with your doctor to know to correct amount of water to drink for your body make up and any health conditions you may have.

3. Manage stress.

Stress, especially intense or chronic stress, negatively impacts every system of the body. It can lead to dry skin, oily skin, and an exacerbation of skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Find ways to recognize when you are stressed. Have techniques to manage stress. Allow yourself to rest and get enough sleep. Feeling refreshed will help you recognize and manage stress. Get support from friends, family, and professionals when life throws you a curveball that you have trouble managing on your own.

4. Moisturize

Internal hydration through drinking water is important. But so is external hydration through moisturizing. Dry skin is more susceptible to damage and injury. Proper moisturization can help manage dry and even oily skin. Apply natural oils, creams, or lotions regularly to keep skin soft and supple.

5. Choose wisely

Choose products that are free of harsh chemicals, irritants, and additives. These ingredients can damage skin and can be absorbed into your body. Choosing plant-based, natural soaps, cleansers, and moisturizers will nurture and nourish your skin. Fragrance should be light and naturally sourced. Be especially mindful of any items that cause allergies or reactions to your skin and avoid these.

 As a massage therapist, I work directly with your skin. I have a great interest in helping you keep your skin healthy as a way of helping enhance your overall well-being. The effects of massage travel through the skin impacting other structures of the body. Massage helps to improve circulation to the skin. Plant-based oils and body butter used during massage moisturizes and nourishes skin helping to keep your skin healthy.