A 5-Pronged Balanced Approach to Skin Health

Why is skin health important?

Besides being the first thing that is seen in the mirror or by others as beauty, skin is the largest organ of the human body (measuring over 22 square feet). What we see as skin is just the surface, the outermost, relatively waterproof layer, known as the stratum corneum or Avabhasini. There are many layers within--3 as defined in modern medicine, and 7 as defined in Ayurveda by Sushruta. 

Our skin performs several critical functions -

• It acts as a natural barrier, protecting us from the environment. It is the first line of defence against all the things floating in the air around us or on surfaces that we may touch--bacteria, germs, viruses or any harmful, foreign substance like chemicals or allergens.
• The skin helps to control our body temperature
• It produces Vitamin D which builds immunity and strengthens bones
• Creates sensations of touch and feel through a huge network of nerve endings and touch receptors
• Assists the body in elimination of body metabolic wastes through sweat 

Why is glowing skin considered a sign of good health?

It is said that our skin reflects our internal health and is often the first indicator of health issues if any. A glowing skin, therefore, is indicative of good internal health and also of how well you treat your body! 

When the skin is healthy, nourished and hydrated, the natural oils/lipids fill the gaps between the cells and prevent ingress of foreign particles.

These natural oils are partly generated from within the body based on our diet, age and life-style, or on what is applied on the surface. And these natural oils are what give your skin that beautiful glow. 

What affects your Skin's Health?

Skin cells get depleted over time owing to the following factors-

• The natural ageing process also degrades the skin texture and quality
• Oxidative stress based on external conditions, and some short-term or seasonal changes like:

• cold dry weather
• excessively polluted atmosphere
• living in air-conditioned spaces
• over-exposure to the sun
• excess use of chemicals, soaps, detergents or cosmetics.

• Internal conditions like stress, lack of sleep and diet. 

With age, the skin becomes thinner, the pH level of the skin changes, the rate of replenishment of skin cells slows down and there is also a reduction of the collagen. This leads to drier skin and, sometimes, cracked or inflamed conditions.

When the skin is dry, it indicates there is less moisture or fats/lipids holding the cells together which weakens the skin barrier.

Dry or cracked skin allows germs and other allergens or irritants to enter the skin. This causes itching and inflammation and if one succumbs to the temptation of scratching, it can only get worse!

5-pronged approach to manage (skin) health 

Good health and good skin health are inextricably interlinked. In order to ensure that both are managed well, and the skin performs its function of protection, one needs to look at the body's internal metabolic processes while also taking care of the external interface with the environment i.e., the skin.

 A balanced, 5-pronged approach is advised to get that glowing skin that you've always dreamed of: 

1. Diet: Nourishing oneself internally with a good healthy, balanced diet with adequate vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, free from chemicals and with minimum processed foods
2. Water: Drinking water throughout the day, preferably lukewarm, if one can manage it, and depending on the season, minimum 3-4 liters a day
3. Exercise and Stress management: Exercising or doing yoga coupled with pranayama or meditation of at least 45-60 minutes
4. Sleep: Ensuring one gets adequate sleep, based on the age and body type of 7-8 hours daily
5. Skincare: Creating a regular skincare routine for oneself, based on individual schedules, problems, body types, preferences, to limit the effects of situations beyond one’s control (like weather or ageing) to the extent possible.

So pat yourself the next time you hear "Hey you're glowing"! You have been doing a good job with your routines to ensure that your internal health is good and the body’s first line of defence is impenetrable!! 

To get naturally beautiful skin, it is best to use skincare products that are completely natural and safe. To ensure that your skin is well fed with the best of nature's nutrients without any fuss, check out the Parama Naturals range of skincare products here.

Moisturizing your skin is an important ritual of skin care. Read all about its benefits in our blog on "Moisturizers for Healthy Skin".