Human skin is widely considered to be one of the most important and highly valued features of our bodies, yet strangely it’s also one of the most frequently abused and neglected. Our skin is the largest organ in the body’s integumentary system, the set of organs that form our outermost layers, a protective barrier between the so often hostile external environment, and the fragile organs within. The skin serves as a barometer of our overall health, when the skin displays discolouration, rashes, and lesions, and causes discomfort like itching and burning, it is often a sign that we have deeper health issues.
It’s critically important that we monitor our skin for signs of trouble, especially as we get older. Forward-thinking businesses are now including Molemap skin checks to detect and prevent dangerous melanoma, or skin cancer, in their regular employee check-ups. Australia has some of the highest rates of melanoma in the world thanks to its ample sunshine and outdoor-loving populace, who quite simply are not taking all the protective precautions they should be for this vital organ’s health! Yes, sunscreen is a must!
There are a great many skin treatments available on the market, although some of them seem more concerned with maintaining society’s artificial standards of beauty rather than doing your skin any real good. Instead of buying a fancy lotion off the shelf, try a home-made skin treatment, they are all natural, and will help keep your skin healthy as well as attractive!
Here are some of the ways we can protect our skin so it can do its job- protecting us!
Avoiding the ravages of the sun cannot be stressed enough. Try not to be out in the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM when the solar rays are at their strongest. Make sure to apply proper sunscreen to all exposed parts of your body, high SPF (sun protection factor) is best, and waterproof is highly recommended. Water resistant is just what it says, it resists for a while, then washes off, not a good choice for a nation of water sports lovers! You can also wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to keep those harmful rays from hitting you. A pair of proper UV-resistant sunglasses not only look sharp, they protect the sensitive skin around your eyes and your vision as well!
It may sound counter-intuitive, but bathing can cause damage to the skin if done improperly! Hot water removes helpful natural oils from your skin, so try using warm instead. Strong soaps can also cause skin irritation, choose more gentle, skin-friendly mild cleansers. Shaving is another potential problem, be sure to use a shaving cream or gel to protect your skin, and always use a clean, sharp razor for a closer and safer shave.
If you want to find out more about maintaining healthy skin in Australia there is a lot of good information here. One last thing- moisturize!