Improving Skin Health: 7 Tips for Keeping Your Skin Healthy

If you’re committed to improving skin health, you can fortify your body’s natural protection inside and out.

How Healthy Is Your Skin?

Looking at your complexion in the mirror can tell you a lot about your skin health on the outside. But if improving skin health is really a priority for you, you need to focus on more than great-looking skin. Keeping your skin healthy below the surface is also an essential part of overall health.

Here, I’ll discuss how the three layers of skin protect you and then share some tips for keeping your skin as healthy as possible.

Layers of Protection

The epidermis (outer layer) of your skin is made up of, the corneum, which is dead cells (keratinocytes) that are linked together and constantly being replaced from the living basal (lower) layer. The epidermis forms a physical and chemical barrier to pathogenic microorganisms. The epidermis is also host to a variety of cells that protect you, such as melanocytes that produce melanin, which is a pigment that protects you from harmful UV rays. Other bodyguard-like cells, lymphocytes, and Langerhans cells usher harmful bacteria away to nearby lymph nodes. These bodyguard cells have shown to have important immunological effects as part of the innate and adaptive constituents of the immune system.

Just below the epidermis is the dermis (middle layer) layer of skin. The dermis forms a stretchy but strong layer of collagen fiber protection. The dermis is home to a system of small blood vessels called capillaries that help keep the body cool and move nutrients and oxygen into your cells. The dermis is also where you’ll find your sweat glands, which are essential in regulating body temperature.

Finally, under the dermis lies the subcutis (the deepest layer), which is primarily made of fat and connective tissues. This fatty layer acts as a kind of shock absorber for your bones and joints. It works as insulation for your body temperature as well. The subcutis is also responsible for the production of many hormones such as vitamin D. Vitamin D is produced endogenously when the skin is exposed to sunlight and is required by your body to absorb calcium from the gut into the bloodstream.

These three layers – epidermis, dermis, and subcutis – form a trinity of defense and utility for improving skin health.

Internal Health Is Skin Deep

Your skin has a story to tell. Certain skin conditions relay different messages about what could be going on below. Doctors and dermatologists can use your skin’s appearance to diagnose things like allergic reactions, skin cancers, liver disease, vitamin deficiencies, sclerosis, and many other internal issues. Honoring the importance of improving skin health is crucial when it comes to early diagnoses of these problems and diseases.

What Can You Do to Keep Your Skin Healthy?

Here are 7 tips for improving skin health:

1. Cool down your shower and bathe with warm, not hot, water.
2. Use mild/natural cleansers and gentle moisturizers and lotions. The natural pH of your skin surface is 5 – keep it that way.
3. Avoid overexposure to the sun by wearing sensible protective clothing and always using sunscreen.
4. Drink plenty of water. Hydrate your skin from the inside. The corneum has a lower moisture content to ward off pathogens.
5. Share any major change in skin coloration, texture, or growths with your doctor.
6. Support your skin from the inside – eat a clean low inflammation diet with rich sources of Vitamins A, C and E.
7. Support skin health with Paeonia lacitflora extract (White Peony) and Cistus incanus tea (Rock Rose). Paeonia activates skin’s natural defense mechanisms. It’s also an antioxidant, and it’s known to have regenerative, moisturizing, and anti-inflammation effects. It may also help to keep you calm and soothe your nerves. Cistus incanus herbal tea, in turn, is often used as a topical treatment. It’s used externally to cleanse the skin and ameliorate maskne, eczema, and psoriasis. You can also create your own antidandruff shampoo by washing your hair with a large batch of the herbal tea. The tea can even be used as a mouthwash. Its biofilm-busting activities reduce oral bacteria and leave your mouth feeling clean.

Improving Skin Health: Your First Line of Defense

Your skin is your first line of defense against a world of potential dangers such as wounds, temperature, moisture, infections, bacteria, and a whole host of other things trying to get in your body. If you’re committed to improving skin health, you can fortify your body’s natural protection from both the inside out and the outside in.

Read the Paeonia FAQ Read the Cistus FAQ SHOP NOW