As you get out-of-doors and enjoy the summer, you are more exposed to the sun. Being knowledgeable about good skin care is vital. Your skin is your body’s protective cover, and, as such, skin is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Skin is the largest organ of the body—weighing about 8 pounds and covering about 22 square feet of surface.
Think about your skin as the container you live inside. (See National Geographic, “Skin” at http://bit.ly/dhIRHr)
Year round you will want to moisturize daily, using products that avoid these additives:
- Formaldehyde
A carcinogenic impurity, formaldehyde is released by a number of preservatives used in cosmetics. On labels, look for: Formaldehyde itself and the following preservatives: diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, or quaternium-15. - 1,4-Dioxane
Another carcinogenic chemical, 1,4-dioxane was found to contaminate almost 50 percent of personal care products tested in 2008. 1,4-dioxane isn’t an ingredient listed on
labels but an unwanted byproduct of processing. On labels, look for: PEG
(polyethylene glycol) and ingredients that contain “eth.” - Retinyl Palmitate (a form of vitamin A)
Frequently found in personal care products such as moisturizers and sunscreens, when used on skin that is exposed to sun, retinyl palmitate speeds the development of skin tumors and lesions. (Note: This is much different than taking vitamin A orally.) In 2011, the ingredient was found in two-fifths of sunscreens. On labels, look for: Retinyl palmitate.
(See Better Nutrition, July 2012, “Skin Salvation.”)
The real risks to skin are free radicals, and the process that damages skin is essentially the same that makes an apple turn dark after you bite or cut into it. Plant-based foods are really good for your skin because the antioxidants contained within them lessen the risk of skin cancer.
Remember that your skin needs vitamins! In addition to enjoying a healthy, plant-based diet, think about your intake of essential fats (omega 3, 6, and 9) as a way you feed your skin. Eat foods of many colors to get all the antioxidants. Specifically, the carotenoids found in orange and yellow
plant foods work to protect your skin against sun damage.
Additionally, you want to drink plenty of water in the summer because when you stay well hydrated your skin is actually less prone to damage.
This week, give some thought to the valuable container you live inside. It may not be a Ming vase, but your skin matters!
 | Rev. Debra Basham Voice: (269) 921-2217 Email: debra@scs-matters.com https://scs-matters.com http://ImagineHealing.info http://SurgicalSupport.info Small Changes … Infinite Results™ “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” ~Mother Teresa Tips from 5 April 2010 to 6 August 2012 are here: Archived Tips |