Adedokun Muhammad A.

What if you had no skin?

Imagine along the streets with no skin. That would be horrifying!

What is the skin?

The skin is a protective layer that protects the internal organs and other internal components in your body, from direct exposure to what may be harmful.  Harm may be in the form of harmful microbes, radiation, and even direct physical attacks.

The skin protects the body from environmental effects, such as abrasions, fluid loss, harmful substances, ultraviolet radiation, and invading microorganisms. In addition to the protective ability of this body-covering is its quality of giving beauty to one’s look. It is also known as the large Iost organ in the body.

Hence, the a need to know how to take good care and protect this important organ. Well, unless you don’t want to look good.

Below are 7 tips to guide you in maintaining glowing skin:

1.  Take Regular Baths

Having regular baths can help remove germs from the body. Hence, improving skin health.

2. Avoid Bleaching Cosmetics

Skin-lightening creams contain substances like hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and/or mercury.

After being applied to the skin over a while, it leads to:

• darkening of the knuckles and lightening of the skin

• thinning of the skin, 

• visible blood vessels in the skin

• scarring

• kidney, liver, and/or nerve damage

• abnormalities in a newborn baby (if used during pregnancy)

• high blood pressure

• fatigue

• light sensitivity and so on.

A way out?

Coconut oil: has numerous skincare benefits, including;

• antimicrobial properties

• softening rough heels and elbows

• soothing skin irritation

• moisturizing your skin while restoring its lipid barrier.

3. Drink Enough Water

The increased hydration was shown to lubricate the upper layers of the skin, decrease the friction between skin fibers, and improve skin elasticity.

4. Eat an Adequate Diet:

An adequate diet contains all the food groups namely:

• Cereals e.g. Rice

• Legumes e.g. Beans

• Fruits e.g. Oranges

• Vegetables e.g. Okra

• Milk and its products e.g. wara(cottage cheese)

• Seeds and their products e.g. Groundnut 

• Roots and tubers e.g. Yam and Plantain

• Poultry and its products e.g. Chicken 

• Meat and its products e.g. Beef

• Beverages e.g. Cocoa drink, water, etc.

• Miscellaneous e.g. spices

You should endeavor to consume all food groups in a day, in adequate proportions, for optimal health.

Foods that help promote skin health are rich in:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids e.g walnuts e.t.c. 

They help to preserve the collagen in the skin and keep it firmer.

2. Vitamin E (tocopherol)

It is an antioxidant that helps to prevent cell damage. e.g. Mango, Avocado, Egg yolk, Fish, etc.c Also, it can be taken as a supplement.

3. Vitamin C

It can help fight wrinkles. 

Good sources of Vitamin C include vegetables, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, bell peppers (tatashe), etc.

5. Get Enough Sleep 

Sleep gives the skin time to regenerate and heal. During sleep, an increase in blood flow to the skin allows it to receive more oxygen and nutrients, which can help to improve its appearance.

6. Keep your Clothes Clean

Wearing clean clothes will go a long way in keeping your skin away from germs, thereby keeping it healthy.

7. Visit a Dermatologist for any Skin Ailment

Visiting the dermatologist will help you in getting useful advice as well as professional recommendations that will keep your skin healthier.

In conclusion, following these, in addition to any other useful health tips will improve your skin health and keep your skin glowing.