You may often imagine an unblemished, even-toned canvas when picturing healthy skin. While the benefits of a glowing appearance are appealing, the way it affects your health care as a whole is much more impressive. Here is a guide to the importance of healthy skin and how to take care of it. 

The Importance of Healthy Skin 

It can be easy to forget that the skin is an organ, but how you care for it affects how the rest of the body operates. This outer surface can protect you from bacteria and viruses when you practice proper health care. It also works as a messenger to let you know when something is wrong by changing color, texture, appearance, or even temperature. For example, it can become itchy and dull or show noticeable fine lines if the body is dehydrated.

How to Take Care of the Skin

Moisturize During Winter

Each season has different challenges, requiring distinct skin care. For instance, cold air in the winter can make your skin dry, itchy, and irritated. Blasting the heater, taking a hot shower, and sitting near the fire can rob the skin of moisture, continuing the cycle of dryness. You can help the organ by taking lukewarm showers, switching to a gentle cleanser, and using a rich moisturizing lotion or facial oil after bathing.

Exfoliation

The outer surface sheds daily, but sometimes dead skin can clog pores, resulting in acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Exfoliating two or three times a week can help prevent these issues, leaving behind a smooth and healthy surface on the body. This process can be especially beneficial to remove dry and dull winter skin during the spring.

Nutrition

A balanced diet will provide the skin with the nutrients it needs to remain in top shape. For instance, including eggs and dairy can deliver vitamin A supplements that help prevent cell damage and premature aging. If you want to moisturize the skin, consume salmon and trout that contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Sun Protection

During the summer, ultraviolet rays are at their strongest. Protect the skin from damage by applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and carrying a hat or umbrella. Use a product with at least SPF 15 in the fall and winter, even on cloudy or snowy days, since the UV rays can still affect you.

If you have any health care concerns that can be affecting your skin, turn to the providers at Hillside Family Medicine in Anchorage, AK. For more than 20 years, this family medical practice has provided a wide variety of premier services and medical procedures, including wellness exams and travel vaccinations. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (907) 344-0200 to schedule an appointment.