Skin is an amazing living organism and is the largest organ in our bodies. We wash it and put products on it but do we really understand how it works and the need for natural skin care to keep it protected and looking naturally beautiful? Our skin is made up of three distinct layers. The top or outer layer is called the epidermis. The second layer is called the dermis. This contains blood vessels, nerve endings, hair roots and sweat glands. The third layer is the subcutaneous fat layer containing larger blood vessels and nerves. It is of course the top layer that acts as the barrier to the elements and all the day to day pollution that it is in contact with. It is this layer that we should look after with a proper washing regime and using the right moisturising creams.
When our skin is dry it often feels rough and flaky. This is because it does not contain sufficient moisture. This top layer or epidermis plays a key role in helping contain moisture within the skin and normally consists of around 15% of water. When this moisture content falls below 10% the skin starts to dry out and that is when we complain of dry skin. It starts to appear flaky, it comes off in small white flakes and as the drying continues, the skin can crack ultimately leading to itching, irritation and even soreness. Some skin types are more prone to dry skin than others and most of us suffer from dry skin in the cold winter months when the sweat glands that are secreting moisture into the epidermis are less active. The skin has a constant process of rejuvenation, growing new cells and shedding the old dead cells. This natural process of exfoliation can usefully be aided by creams but they should not be so abrasive as to destroy healthy tissue or remove too much of the skin's natural defences.
Advertisements for skincare products often refer to the skin as being 'plumped up'. What this refers to are the tiny amounts of fat, salts and amino acids and liquid particles which are packed between the individual cells. This is nature's natural skincare process acting as a natural moisturiser for the skin, reducing moisture loss and keeping the cells plumped up visually, reducing the tiny lines that can detract from our skin's natural beauty and it is these lines that are visually ageing. However, we can easily destroy the skin's natural moisturiser through washing with caustic soaps and through exposure of the skin to the elements, with all the toxic chemicals that are around in today's environment. Altering the skin's natural balance can also effect its efficiency in cell regeneration and if new cells are not being grown the old ones will not be shed as efficiently leaving the skin looking dull and lifeless.
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Article Source: http://www.ezinearticles.com/
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