We have so many important organs in our bodies. Let see… there’s lungs, liver, brain, our heart and so many more!! All of these organs are known for their importance, but there is one organ that is of equal value but is more like the underdog… the skin!! The skin is an extraordinary organ system that protects the internal structures of the body from damage, prevents dehydration, stores fat and produces vitamins and hormones. It’s worthy to know that the skin is the body’s first line of defense against bacteria, viruses and microbes. Components of the skin include hair, nails, sweat glands, oil glands, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves and muscles. The skin is also a sensory organ in that it has receptors for detecting heat and cold, touch, pressure and pain.

Now you already know how wonderful our skin is as part of our body, but for it to maintain its hydration and protect us like it is supposed to, we have to take care of it (to return the favour, as Venus said on the topic of the liver). Here is how….

1. Take Shower or bath
I know you have probably heard your parents nagging you to “Take shower properly, or actually stand under the water and scrub” and honestly all you want to do is finish the chapter of that exciting book you’re reading or stay downstairs and watch your favorite show on television. Well, though you don’t have to wait to be told; when they tell you to shower, do it properly. Use warm water to open up your pores, use gentle cleanser and scrub your body gently, rinse then use cold water to close your pores back up again so that no dirt can get in there. Be sure to use antimicrobial or antibacterial soap and not just plain old soap as it disturbs your skin. It’s very simple yet we probably don’t want to do it. I’m not telling you to take two or more showers/baths a day, every day because that may actually damage your skin, but when you do it do it properly! Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water. May be the question I’ll leave you with is; how often should you really wash/shampoo your hair?

2. Moisturize.
Another important part of taking care of your skin is moisturizing. Use good moisturizers and rub it onto your skin because it hydrates your skin leaving it feeling fresh and soft. Also moisturizers prevent and protect your skin by keeping the good oils in and keeping outside elements from causing skin irritations, dryness and improve skin tone and texture. Remember to moisturize your head scalp too! A good idea is to moisturize your skin immediately after bath or shower and regularly throughout the day.

3. Know.
The other ways of caring for your skin include; eating a healthy diet from all the 4 food groups, stay away from smoking as it spoils your skin badly every time you take a puff, overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light is bad to your skin too, protect your skin from sun damage, Remember to bundle up in winter! Also avoid using skin care products that contain alcohol. Overall, there are many different human skin conditions which you may need to be aware of. Some are and some are not consequences of you not taking care of your skin. So you can relax! One common condition is acne, which is a disease that affects your oil glands. Pores are attached to the oil glands underneath your skin by follicles. When your follicles clog up a pimple grows. This disease is very common, especially in teens. Another condition is eczema, which is a long-term condition that results in dry itchy skin. There are many more skin conditions, but if you protect and care for your skin it will protect and care for you.

Beauty is being comfortable in your own skin, so Keep Calm and Love
Your Skin!!

Serena Wambura