The skin is your body's first line of defense against any and every one invaders — and, yes, it's its own system .
Think of your skin as a bodyguard whose job it's to dam your insides of each threat you inherit contact with — bacteria and viruses, particles floating within the air, rays of sunlight, computer blue light.
"To do that , your skin has its own system that contains both specialized cells [Langerhans cells and T cells] to fight various infectious sources and melanocytes, which produce melanin to dam potentially cell-mutating ultraviolet rays. For even more protection, the outer layer possesses a waxy, oily cover referred to as the "acid mantle" that shields against radical damage while helping maintain hydration to stay the barrier intact.
Atop the mantle may be a microbiome of excellent bacteria and yeast that defuse pathogens. "Similar to the alimentary canal , your body keeps a balance of germs that sleep in harmony on our skin and make it unfriendly for more dangerous bacteria, viruses, and fungi to survive and grow."
These defense mechanisms ideally work together, but they will sometimes be thrown off. a few of straightforward moves will help confirm all security systems within your skin's system are go.
Baby Your Barrier
Mind your skin's system during everyday routines. To shed the germs and dirt without over-stripping the microbiome and mantle, Dr. Anolik recommends using lukewarm water (hot are often too harsh and drying), taking short showers, and swapping anything labeled as soap (its high pH saps the oils within the acid mantle) for gentle cleansers.
Pat dry and slather on a moisturizer — one with mucopolysaccharide , glycerin, lanolin, or oil is great — to still-damp skin. "That hydration keeps the skin's surface healthy and prevents inflammation and barrier breakdown," he says.
Daily use of topical antioxidants like vitamin C also can boost your skin's system , and may neutralize the natural stressors within the environment.
And as always: Use Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel every single day.
