| True beauty is a reflection of true health, and true health begins deep inside each and every cell in your body. Looking good can make you feel good and your looks can often depict your personality and attitude. Nourishing and nurturing yourself properly can bring immense and immeasurable rewards of confidence, vitality, energy, optimism and good health. Your skin is an indicator of your general health. Acne, wrinkles, dry or oily skin and inflammation are all signs of poor internal health, often brought on by consuming unhealthy foods and avoiding skin-healthy nutrients. | | Know your skin
Skin acts as a barrier between the outside world and the controlled environment within your body. It protects your body from dirt, bacteria, foreign objects, Ultraviolet Rays and plays a vital role in regulating body temperature and body fluids and helps in the synthesis of vitamin D. It has millions of nerve endings that help in sensing hot, cold, hard, sharp or dull sensations. | | Skin structure
Basically your skin is made up of three layers namely:
| - Epidermis: This is the protective upper layer of your skin, which is tough. It provides your skin with resistance to physical wear and tear and also makes skin water proof.
- Dermis: This layer of skin lies just below the epidermis and contain numerous supporting tissues, blood vessels, nerves, hair roots and sweat glands. The dermis has two types of proteins called the Collagen and elastin, which give your skin its strength and flexibility.
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| - Subcutaneous tissue: This is theinnermost layer of the skin, also made up of connective tissue, sweatglands, blood vessels and Cells that store fat. This layer maintainsyour body heat and also protects your body from injuries.
Click here to view animation on skin structure
| Know your skin type
It is important to know your skin type, as it can help you maintain your skin health by taking the right measures to promote optimum skin care.
There are five major types of skin:
Normal skin: This type of skin looks healthy as there is a right balance between oil and moisture content. The normal skin appears smooth, clear and toned, without spots or blemishes and reflects good health.
Oily skin: This type of skin appears greasy. Dirt and dust gets attracted by the excessive oil on the skin leading to black heads, white heads, pimples and spots.
Dry skin: This type of skin appears parched and flaky due to a lack of moisture caused by inadequate secretions of the Sebaceous Glands.
Combination skin: This type of skin appears dry at the cheeks and areas around the mouth and eyes and appears oily at the central panel (forehead, nose and chin). Hence, it is known as combination skin.
Sensitive skin: This type of skin has a fine texture and is sensitive to climatic changes and chemical ingredients present in perfumes, dyes and other cosmetic products. | | | How to determine your skin type?
As you wake up in the morning check for the grease/oil on your face. Wipe your face with a tissue. If you observe oil on the tissue then your skin is the greasy type.
If you observe grease or oil only on the center panel or the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), then it would be combination skin. If you do not observe any grease/oil on the tissue, then it is either normal or dry skin. Dry skin feels too tight, parched and stretched whereas a normal skin feels smooth, elastic and supple. |  |
| Common skin problems
There are numerous skin disorders and these may be categorized into nine common types. | - Rashes: A rash appears red with inflammation. Rashes can occur due to allergy, infections, irritation, disease and other conditions like blocked pores or improper functioning of the oil glands in your skin. The examples are dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc.
- Bacterial infections: These infections are caused when bacteria infect the upper layer of your skin, follicles and the inner most layer of your skin. The examples of bacterial skin infection include folliculitis, cellulites, etc.
- Fungal infections: There are various fungi that are present on the surface of your
skin that are generally harmless. But skin infections can occur when these fungi gain entry into your body. These infections can affect your skin, hair and nails and sometimes
may lead to serious health conditions.
The examples include ringworm, athlete’s foot, etc. - Viral infections: This is caused when a virus infects the inner layer of your skin. Examples include measles, chicken pox, herpes, warts, etc.
- Trauma: A trauma may be due to a cut, burn or a blow and the body becomes more prone to infections during these conditions.
- Parasitic infections: These infections are caused by parasites like scabies and lice
- Other conditions: There are various other skin conditions like wrinkles, Spider Veins and Rosacea caused due to enlargement of veins and/or breakdown of Collagen and Elastin.
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| Preventing skin problems
The natural process of aging and skin problems can be avoided by washing your skin gently, moisturizing skin regularly and avoiding overexposure to the sun. A few simple skin care habits (see box) can help keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come.
|  | Treatment for skin problems
There aremany different drugs, creams, and therapies for skin problems.Medications used to treat skin conditions usually include topical andoral medications. It is recommended that you seek your doctor’s adviceregarding treatment options. Your doctor knows what is best for you.
| | | Good habits for healthy skin | | Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. | | Apply sunscreen 20 min before going outdoors. | | Try avoiding outdoors during 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, since the sun rays are most damaging during these hours. | | Adequate hydration is also important; drink at least 8–10 glasses of water. | | Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid fried and greasy foods. | | Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of the skin and also contribute to wrinkles. | | Having long, hot showers can remove essential oils from skin. | | Generally avoid soaps labeled "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial." These tend to reduce the skin's acidity, which acts as a protection from infection. Choose mild soaps with oils and fats. | | People with sensitive skin should avoid dyes and perfume containing products. | | After a bath, pat your skin dry gently with a towel so that some moisture remains. | | Select a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to help protect your skin from damaging Ultraviolet Rays. | | Getting sufficient exercise gets the blood flow going and sends oxygen to the skin Cells. | | Always consult your doctor to treat skin problems. Always clean your make-up before you sleep |
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