It covers
our body but it also protects us against microorganisms, chemical compounds and
solar radiations, and, as it has several nerve endings, it transmits the information
it receives from the environment.
How can we protect it?
Our skin is
always subjected to several exogenous and endogenous aggressions. The sun is
necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D and essential for bone health, but it
is also a harmful source of non-visible radiation, such as UVA and UVB rays,
which can penetrate our skin and cause erythema, burns, etc.
The most
intense radiation is produced from 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m., so we have to try
to avoid it, mainly children and the elderly.
Although
the skin produces melanin to protect us from this kind of radiation, natural
protection is not enough. We need to wear sunglasses, hats, caps and suitable
clothing. Moreover, it is essential to gently apply sunscreen every 2 hours and
after bathing, if necessary, taking special care of moles and freckles.
It is
recommended to renew sunscreens every year, as they lose their properties.
On the
other hand, after exposure to this kind of radiation, it is recommended to
repair, soothe and moisturize the skin. Some plants are well-known for their
properties regarding this purpose, such as aloe, chamomile, marigold, ribwort
and greater plantain, yarrow and propolis.
Protect your skin inside as well
The skin is
attacked daily by other kinds of harmful substances such as environmental pollution
and endogenous toxins from a poor diet or the consumption of alcohol and
tobacco.
We can
protect ourselves from free radicals by means of supplements with antioxidant
nutrients, such as carotenes in some fruits and vegetables (carrots), vitamin C
(strawberries, oranges, etc.) and vitamin E (vegetable oils, wheat germ and
whole grains). The skin and seeds of black grapes contain powerful natural
antioxidants, such as resveratrol, anthocyanins, flavonoids and tannins.
Astaxanthin is another
substance with a great capacity to eliminate or reduce free radicals in
different cellular environments.
