The Skin & How it Supports the Immune System

Protection
As previously mentioned, the skin is a physical barrier that protects the vital parts of the body from injury (mechanical, thermal, or any other physical injury), harmful agents, and the excessive loss of fluids (moisture) and protein. It’s also the body’s first line of defense against the damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun and other sources.

Regulation (Thermoregulation)
To function properly, the body has to maintain a constant core temperature. And the skin helps in this concern through alterations to the blood flow in its dermis layer. The constriction and expansion of the blood vessels dictate whether body heat is dispelled or conserved.

• During warm periods, the vessels dilate to let heat out. On the outside, this is visible as the skin reddening with beads of sweat forming on the surface of the skin.
• In colder temperatures, the vessels constrict to prevent heat from escaping the body.

Sensation
Peppered with nerve endings here and there, the skin is the organ for your sense of touch. It works in cooperation with the nervous system to trigger a response to something that you touch, especially if it’s an object that causes harm or pain.

Keep with a Good Skincare Routine
A good skincare routine not only helps you look good, but also helps maintain overall skin health. It helps to first know what your skin type is, and what skin care fits that skin type. From there, you can build an effective daily skincare routine with these five essential steps:

1. Cleansing
2. Toning
3. Applying Serum
4. Moisturizing
5. Using Sunscreen

Eat Good-for-the-Skin Foods
Good nutrition is important for overall health. What you eat also affects how your skin looks and operates. In addition to staying hydrated, make sure you’re getting the essential nutrients you need for skin health with these foods:

• Plant protein such as walnuts and sunflower seeds
• Bellpeppers (red and yellow)
• Green leafy vegetables like broccoli
• Sweet potatoes
• Fatty Fish
• Red grapes
• Tomatoes
• Avocados
• Soy
• Dark Chocolate
• Green tea

Get Additional Support from Skin Vitamins
Additional support from supplements is a good idea too. The vitamins and nutrients are especially helpful for the skin’s overall state.

• Synthesized when sunlight is absorbed into the skin, vitamin D is a key player in the creation of healthy cells. Studies say that it may help with the treatment of psoriasis.
• Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant with a role in the production of collagen for the skin. Online features and studies also show that vitamin C can enhance the effectiveness of sunscreens applied to your skin.
• Also believed to help with protection against sun damage, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps optimize skin repair by encouraging optimized skin cell renewal. Studies have also shown that vitamin E fortifies the immune system and has potent effects on inflammatory acne.
• Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein that supports the skin and body’s immune system with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It targets acne-causing bacteria before it could trigger inflammation and cause pimples.
• Aiding in regulating oil in the skin’s sebaceous glands, zinc also helps heal and rejuvenate the skin with its anti-inflammatory effects. By keeping the skin’s oil in check, zinc contributes to minimizing the occurrence of acne.