The skin is the
largest organ of the human body and is perhaps the most vulnerable
because of its exposure to attack from the environment. An adult's
skin covers about 18.2 square feet and weighs about six pounds. Yet,
when most of us think of skin care, we focus on facial care and neglect
our bodies, forgetting that body skin needs care to function properly,
which is essential to good health. . Body
skin has fewer oils glands per square inch than the face. Because
of this, it can be particularly vulnerable to dryness. As skin ages,
oil production slows and moisture retention capacity is reduced, especially
on the arms and legs. To offset this, when choosing cleansers and
moisturizers, it is important to choose ones that contain oil in a
high enough concentration to bond moisture to the skin, but ones that
at the same time are not so rich that they trap perspiration and bacteria.
This could interfere with the skin's eliminatory function.
What
Oils Will Help? Botanical
oils are particularly beneficial for this purpose. They are compatible
with the sebum on the skin and do not clog.
What
other steps can be taken to protect body skin? Use sunscreens. Not only do they protect
against UV damage, they also work to prevent dryness. Sunlight disrupts
the formation of skin's natural moisturizing factors. As a result,
skin is less able to retain moisture. Exfoliation is important.
Lifting away dead cells on the surface of the skin speeds the process
of cell shedding and replacement that slows with age. Exfoliated skin
is also more evenly textured and therefore retains moisture better,
helping to counter mature skin's natural tendency toward dryness.
A brisk body scrub is an excellent
way to prevent a dull, lifeless appearance. It reveals the softer,
smoother skin beneath it. It is important to use materials especially
designed for this purpose. Scrubs that contain rough, irregular granules
can gouge the skin and remove cells it needs for protection. Brushes
that are too stiff can break capillaries and actually damage circulation
in the long run. Gentle skin scrubbing two to three times a week is
particularly important on the outer thighs and arms, which have few
oil glands and tend to be drier and flakier.
Can Cellulite
Be Diminished?
Yes! While few men get cellulite, most women do. Women have an extra
layer of fatty tissue beneath the skin and accumulate fat nearer the
surface of the skin than men. In addition, female hormones foster
waste retention and water retention.
Sluggish
circulation is a primary cause of cellulite, since it interferes with
cellular metabolism. Wastes accumulate in and around cells. This condition
can be improved by exercise, improvement of diet, body brushing, and
massage with our stimulating cream.