Your skin is an amazing organ, the body’s largest organ by far. How big? The average adult’s skin would cover about 20 square feet if it was stretched out like a blanket! Sometimes called a “miracle garment”, the skin is a protective layer between our fragile interiors and the external environment. It comes in many colours and shades, and it is our “interface” with the world, allowing us to sense temperature, texture, pressure, vibration, moisture and more. This envelope for our bodies is also a radiator - adjusting to heat and cool us as the environment changes.
 
Your skin stretches, heals quickly, sheds a lot, and replenishes itself with new cells every 4 weeks. Your skin erupts, flakes, burns and changes colour to let you know how it’s doing. It is the window to your thoughts and is the most public part of your skin is your face. What does your face “say” when you look in the mirror? Good nutrition and appropriate use of topical products can give you skin you’re proud to be in.
 
Making Faces
 
Have frowns or smiles left their traces on your face? It’s just as Mom warned you, “Stop making that face or it’ll STAY that way!” With care and attention your facial skin can look and feel good as long as you live. However, exposed to wind and weather on the outside, and being deficient in key nutrients on the inside, your skin can become thin or tough, wrinkled or discoloured. It can also fall prey to serious attacks from acne, eczema, psoriasis, lupus and even skin cancer. If you have a serious skin condition you have probably already consulted a health care practitioner or specialist, however there are things anyone can do to support skin health and reduce the effects of aging and environmental damage.
 
Skin’s Best Friends
 
Rule #1: DRINK LOTS OF WATER. This is good for every organ and cell in your body, and it will show on your face. Also water the outside. This means washing with a gentle cleanser, especially before bed to give your skin a chance to breathe through the night.
 
Rule #2: FEED YOUR SKIN. Winter especially can be drying to the skin. While you probably have your favourite creams, lotions and “serums” to apply on the outside, what you put INSIDE your body also shows on your face. Incorporating essential fatty acids, antioxidants and skin friendly nutrients into your diet will have positive effects on your face and skin as a whole. 
 
Finishing Touches
 
While you have to walk around “face first” - braving the elements and responding to the stresses, joys and challenges of life - you can prevent or reduce the effects of dehydration, cellular damage and degeneration, and stress. Develop a skin care routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating and feeding the skin from within. Support your skin and put your best face forward!