There are more skincare products on the market than ever before. Many claim to rejuvenate and lift your skin. Most purport to solve problems via external applications, while ignoring what is happening inside.

We are all becoming more educated about the relationship between lifestyle and nutrition, and the way our body reacts both inside and out.

So, what are some of the most common problems associated with our skin, what causes them, and how do we fix them?

In order to address any problems we may have, we need to understand the makeup and function of the area involved.

Skin structure and function

Human Skin Anatomy

Skin is the largest organ the human body possesses and it has three layers, each responsible for different tasks.

Epidermis

Skin’s outer layer, the epidermis, provides waterproofing and flexibility. When undamaged, it prevents most viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances from penetrating the body. This layer renews itself every 45-75 days. It is worth noting that the deepest layer of the epidermis, called the basal layer, is where the new skin cells are made. They then migrate slowly to the surface, replacing old skin cells. The basal layer also contains cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin, a main contributor to skin colour. Melanin’s primary task is to filter out ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, which damages DNA (the body’s genetic material), resulting in many harmful effects, including sunburn, skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin.

Dermis

The next layer beneath this is the dermis.  This layer is thick and made up of fibrous and elastic tissue, which is mostly collagen, elastin, and fibrillin. This gives the skin its flexibility and strength. It also contains nerve endings, sweat glands and oil (sebaceous) glands, hair follicles and blood vessels.

Fat (Subcutis) Layer

Below the dermis is a layer of fat. This helps insulate the body from heat and cold, provides protective padding, and serves as an energy storage area. The fat is cells which are held together by fibrous tissue. The fat layers are of varying thicknesses – from a fraction of a centimetre on the eyelids to several inches on the abdomen and buttocks in some people.

Note: All the layers of the skin also protect the muscles, blood vessels, internal organs and nerves from trauma.

Skin Problems 

The most common skin complaints are:

• Premature ageing – wrinkles, pigmentation patches, sun damage, dryness, flakiness.
• Eruptions – acne, eczema and psoriasis.

So it is good to arm yourself with an understanding of what does what and the processes that affect the skin. Some may require lifestyle and nutritional changes. Others may be the result of medical conditions, so please do seek advice from our healthcare provider in these cases.

Premature aging

Natural skin ageing is due to the loss of the proteins collagen and elastin. At the age of 40, the production of collagen and elastin naturally declines, with an dramatic reduction occurring after menopause. This leads to sagging skin, the formation of lines and wrinkles.

However, one of the causes of premature ageing of the skin can be due to excessive sun exposure. Sun exposure causes most of the skin changes that we think of as a normal part of aging.

It is possible to increase collagen and protect the skin against sun damage, even after damage has been done.

How To Increase and Protect Collagen Production Naturally?

Eating certain foods can accelerate production and repair damaged collagen fibres.

• Fruits and green leafy vegetables contain enormous amount of vitamin C. This vitamin is vital for collagen formation and repair. It protects the cells from free radicals in the body. Excess of free radicals in the body speed up aging. Being an antioxidant, Vitamin C protects the skin, cartilage, and other fibrous tissues from free radicals. It helps to repair damaged skin and aids in keeping its elasticity intact.
• Orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes contain vitamin A. This essential vitamin helps to regenerate damaged collagen fibres.
• Protein is essential for rebuilding and repairing skin cells, if you are vegan beans, nuts and seeds are a healthy way to keep your skin in good condition.

Protecting Yourself From Harmful Sunrays 

A year-round sun protection regime can help to protect against further damage.

• Avoid sunlight when UV light is strongest. This is generally between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Excessive exposure to sunlight can lead to degeneration of skin collagen. You can protect your skin by applying a good sunscreen lotion before going out in sun.
• The antioxidant Lycopene in tomatoes, bell peppers, beetroot, gives them their red colour. This acts as a natural sun block. It prevents skin damage and also enhances production of collagen.

The Effects of Alcohol and Nicotine

Cigarette smoking and alcohol dehydrates, and this damages collagen and can aid premature skin aging.

• It’s worth thinking about quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption. Not just for the sake of your skin, but your overall health.
• If you want hydrated skin, the simplest way is to drink plenty of water. Use good,  moisturising cream products with ingredients from naturally derived sources, with no synthetic additives. More here >

Eruptions

Acne develops during hormonal shifts (ie puberty, before a menstrual period, prior to menopause)  and causes the overproduction of oil and cells inside skin follicles. This causes the opening of the pores to clog and then causes the follicle beneath to swell. An overgrowth of bacteria can produce a chemical substances that irritates the skin and exacerbates the inflammation. This results in acne.

Certain vitamins and plant foods added to your diet can keep your skin nourished and supple. 

• Leukotriene B4, is a molecule that can increase sebum and cause inflammatory acne. Omega-3s have been shown to control its production. Walnuts, avocados, flaxseed oil are a great source of omega-3s.
• Foods high in magnesium help to calm acne-inducing hormones. Oats, brown rice, figs and artichokes are good for this.
• Dark-coloured berries contain phytonutrients (compounds found in plants), these are excellent for skin since they have health-promoting properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Studies show that green tea is effective in fighting acne. South Korean researchers conducted tests with cream containing EGCG (a powerful antioxidant in green tea) which subsequently reduced the size of sebaceous glands, which are usually enlarged in acne sufferers. Try drinking green tea throughout the day, and also apply cooled tea bags or a clean cloth dipped in cooled green tea to acne-prone areas of your face for 10-15 minutes.
• A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is great for nourishing the skin.

Keeping the skin clean assists in treating acne and pimples.

• Try not to touch your face with your hands.
• When you are on the phone, do not to let the receiver touch your face.
• Keep your hands clean, wash them regularly and before touching your face.
• Don’t try to burst the spots. This may push the infection further down, which will increase blockage, swelling and redness. Popping pimples may cause skin to scar