The human skin is the largest organ of the body.  It is comprised of different layers of epithelial tissue.  The outer facing part of the skin is known as the epidermis and has five layers beginning at the basal layer through to the stratum corneum, the most cornified layer where the dead skin cells are waterproofed.  The epidermis provides protection to the underlying skin cells.  Below is a diagram to show you the different layers of the skin.

The way that skin cells grow is that they are produced in stratum basal layer where they are divided by mitosis and begin their journey to the surface of the skin going through 4 processes including keritinisation that fills up with the protein keratin and die in the process.

The cornified, or outer layer, is made up of these dead cells whose job it is to protect the softer living underneath cells.

Also in the basal layer certain cells that give us our pigmentation are produced. These cells are called melanocytes and the more we have the darker our skin tone is and the more natural protection we have against the sun unless we are red headed or blond then it is a different story.

Skin is not always the same over every part of the body for example the palms of the hands and soles of the feet do not grow hair and are much thicker and durable than facial skin for example.

Even the skin on the face isn’t exactly the same when you compare the forehead skin to the skin surrounding the eye you will notice that the skin surrounding the eye is much thinner.

UVA & UVB sun damage. The sun is probably the number one enemy to skin. It damages the DNA of the skin cell structure and is the main cause of premature aging. It causes liver spots to appear on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun.

Sunbathing or playing out in the sun uncovered for long period of hours can be the cause of fatal conditions such malignant melanomas

Concern has been mounting over family waterfront vacations and recommendations have been stated that children should not be playing outside in swim wear but do indoor activities during the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm as there has been a 5% increase in moles developing in 7 year olds which may lead to cancer in later years. Boys are shown to be more susceptible than girls by 19%.

The figures are quite startling when you realize that in America alone 62,000 people are diagnosed with melanomas every year and of that number 8,000 are fatal.

Have a good cleaning regime, including regular exfoliation.

Wear a good moisturizer everyday.

Only use safe products on your skin that don’t include glycerin, unless specified that it is from a vegetable source.  Avoid all perfumes in skin care products as artificial aromas can be toxic.

Stay out of the midday sun or cover up if you’re in it.

Always wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face

Wear sun screen with UVA &UVB protection when out in the sun

Avoid using citrus oils immediately before going out in the sun as they are photo toxic and will cause your skin to burn.

Keep well hydrated with plenty of clean, pure filtered water to provide good moisture for all your organs

Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables include fruits such as berries, red grapes, avocados oily fish etc.

Have a balanced diet

Cut out caffeine and highly processed foods and drinks including sodas.

Enjoy regular exercise to ensure a good circulation to the skin for feeding it and removing the build up of toxins.