The Ultimate Shield
The skin is a powerful organ! Covering the entire body, the skin is made up of layers of cells, each with special roles for keeping our inner body safe and healthy. As facial rejuvenation experts, Imagen Body Sculpting doctors have studied the unique functions of the skin and how to keep it youthful and strong for as long as possible.
Keratin & The Epidermis
The top layers of skin cells make up what is called the epidermis. The cells of the epidermis are dead cells that sluff-away each day, but they protect us nonetheless. Intermixed with these cells is a protein called keratin. Keratin has a superpower – it responds to pressure by getting thicker and tougher. This is why the skin on our hands and feet tends to be harder than the rest (even callused). Keratin is the same protein our hair and nails are made of. Like the skin, our hair and nails are only alive at their base (root & nail bed). To keep our skin, hair and nails strong and healthy, we need a good blood supply and a healthy diet in addition to quality products.
TRY: MICHELLE’S BEAUTY BOOSTING SMOOTHIE RECIPE
Acids & Oils
The deeper layer of the skin is called the dermis. This is where glands produce an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is the “greasy” feeling we sometimes notice at the surface of our skin or at the roots of our hair. While many of us have been trained to believe that “oily skin” and “greasy hair” is bad, the opposite is true. Sebum helps our skin maintain its stretch, and without it, our skin becomes irritated and can crack from dryness. Using toxic skincare or haircare can strip this natural oil, which triggers our body to produce more than it needs; this is why many people who wash their hair daily get greasy faster than those who skip a few days between washes.
Toxic products can also leave behind a film that blocks our skin’s natural elimination process, which is important for our health. One of the ways our skin helps eliminate toxins is through sweat. When the acids in our sweat mix with our oily sebum something called an acid mantle is created. The acid mantle is a subtle film on the surface of our skin that helps protect us from bacteria and viruses.
READ: PREJUVENATION TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUTHFUL SKIN
Melanin - The Natural Sunscreen
At the deepest layer of our epidermis, our skin creates a pigment called melanin. With increased sun exposure, our skin produces more of this pigment to protect us from harmful UV damage. Healthy skin not only helps protect us from harmful bacteria, it can also help us fight against cancer.
READ: 4 REASONS SPF IS YOUR BFF
Rejuvenation Is Skin-Deep
Another way our skin protects us is through self-rejuvenation. It takes roughly one month for the entire epidermis to be replaced with new cells. It’s important for us to maintain a healthy lifestyle and great skin care routine so when these new cells emerge, they are as vibrant as possible. The deeper dermis layer of the skin is where our collagen lives. This connective protein is a key building block for youthful skin – it’s what keeps our skin supple and bouncy!
Since we produce less collagen as we age, it’s important to supplement with a quality collagen that has a diverse amino acid profile – Try our Besha Collagen. Our body requires Vitamin C for collagen synthesis so we should incorporate foods like berries and melons into our diet as well.
Are you interested in a skin evaluation at Imagen Body Sculpting? One of our board-certified cosmetic surgeons can work with you to create a custom regimen to rejuvenate your skin and keep it looking and feeling healthy! Schedule a FREE consultation by calling or texting 402-509-8473.
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