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YOUTHFUL LOOKING SKIN WITH HEALTHY EATING

Your skin, hair and nails mirror your state of health. Your skin has vital functions and is the largest organ in your body. Your skin is a supple, elastic tissue that covers and protects the body. Above all your skin is waterproof, bacteria proof and self - repairing.

STRUCTURE OF THE SKIN

  • The skin consists of the outer layer called epidermis and the inner layer called the dermis.
  • The epidermis is a layer of flat dead cells, which contain a protein called keratin. It is the keratin that makes the skin waterproof.
  • The epidermis acts as a protective coating and is the thickest in the areas that are subject to wear and tear e.g. palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
  • The remainder of the epidermis consists of an intermediate layer and a basal cell layer
  • Cell of the basal cell layer is at the base of the epidermis that grows, divide and mature. The cells move upwards to replace those worn away at the surface. Replacement takes about two months. This layer contains melanin that colours the skin and hair.
  • The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and contains most of skin's living structure. Embedded in the connective tissues within the dermis are specialised structures i.e. hair follicles, nerve ending and sebaceous (oil) and sweat glands which open to the pores on the surface of the skin. The dermis is the region that contains the blood vessels. Below the dermis is a layer of fat known as subcutaneous fat.

FUNCTION OF THE SKIN

  1. The skin manufactures Vitamin D
  2. The skin tans to protect the body against ultraviolet rays
  3. The skin regulates body temperature.
  4. Your skin is embedded with nerves that provides sensations of touch, pressure and pain.

BLOOD VESSELS IN YOUR SKIN

Small blood vessels in your skin dilate in the hot weather. The increase in the blood flow may make you appear flushed.

COLLAGEN FIBRES IN YOUR SKIN

  1. Your skin's strength and elasticity depends on these fibres.
  2. As you age, the collagen is broken down, leading to wrinkles and sagging.

SEBACEOUS (OIL) GLANDS IN YOUR SKIN

  1. These glands produce oil that keeps the skin supple and free from infections.
  2. This oil is also responsible for making our oil greasy.

 

NUTRITION FOR THE SKIN

  1. It is important to eat a variety of food rich in Vitamins and minerals.
  2. To keep your skin clean it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids.
  3. Water carries nutrients to the skin and waste from the cells. It aids in digestion and absorption of food. Water also regulates the body temperature.
  4. A low fat diet is recommended for healthy skin
  5. Alcohol in excess may develop persistent flush that is due to damage of blood vessels under the surface of the skin.
  6. Vegetables and fruits are power house of antioxidants which keeps the skin supple and nourished

EFFECTS OF EXERCISE FOR THE SKIN

  1. Regular exercises increase blood flow to the skin and makes you appear healthier and more attractive.

You need to balance your food, exercises and your skin care for a lovely skin.

Mary Easaw
Manager Dietetic and Dietary Department
 IJN Sdn Bhd.

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