Interest in skincare is at all time high and the global beauty business is worth billions each year. Although a lot is written about skin and skincare, there is still a lot of misconceptions about how the skin functions and what role it plays in our lives.
Our skin is one of the largest organs in the human body (approx. 2 square meters) and consists of two main layers, the dermis, and the epidermis. Underneath the dermis you will find the subcutaneous layer, that is made up of fat and connective tissue.
What are the functions of our skin?
One of the primary functions of the skin is as a protective barrier. Healthy skin prevents moisture loss, regulates temperature and can protect us from a range of external aggressors. However, if the barrier of the skin is compromised, as in the case of conditions such as eczema or dermatitis, skin becomes more prone to infection and in many cases loses more moisture. Basically, without it, we would evaporate!
Skin is also a sensory organ, helping us in our perception of the world around us. This is one of the reasons that a skincare routine isn’t just about skin health, but also about pleasure and ritual. Simply put, taking care of our skin feels good. Our skin is also responsible for helping to regulate our temperature, which is why we sweat, to help us cool down.
Many external and internal factors can affect skin health, such as pollution, diet, exposure to UV rays and even stress. This means that we must look at more than one factor when we talk about taking care of our skin, as this goes far beyond just the use of topical products. A consistent skincare routine is, however, a great place to start when it comes to good skin health, as well as looking and feeling our best.
Skin renews itself approximately every twenty-eight days, in a cycle where it sheds dead cells, and fresh new ones emerge to the top layers of the skin. This cycle can take longer as we get older but is also affected by a host of individual differences from person to person. We can help to repair and improve the skin in less than a month! Gentle exfoliation that also respects and maintains the skins natural barrier is an important part of any skincare routine. It also a good idea to moisturise with plant oil rich products, to add anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids, to help the skin glow and stay protected and healthy.
The products we apply to our skin, whether it is cosmetics, cleaning products and other things the skin comes in to contact with, can affect skin health negatively as well as positively. Applying the wrong products for our skin, or too many products in overly complicated routines are two common skincare mistakes. If you are experiencing excessive dryness, redness or a skin that produces a lot of oil, these problems can be a sign that skin is out of balance. Paring back your routine to a simpler one is often enough to help rebalance the skin and help it to function properly again.
At Flower and Spice, we urge you to reconnect with your skin and trust your own instincts, create a daily natural beauty ritual that protects skin health as well as elevating your mood. Our skin has so many important functions, the more we care for and appreciate our skin, the more it will take care of us.