Moral of story: beauty is only skin deep
by KC Jones, reporter

    The same concern we give to what we eat should be given in choosing the products placed on the skin.

    The skin, composed of nerves, sweat and oil glands, blood vessels and sensory organs, is the most complex organ in the body.

    An adult’s skin averages 21 square feet and weighs seven to nine pounds.

    Skin regulates body temperature, protects against disease and environmental assaults, expels wastes and gives sensations for the nervous system.

    Skin not only holds the body together, but it contributes to good looks.

    Most people are concerned about the looking good function of skin and want to protect and maintain their skin.

    Good circulation and sufficient water consumption lay the foundation for good-looking skin.

    Although the skin is made up of several layers, the dermis and epidermis are the two uppermost layers. This is where cell growth and moisture retention take place.

    The epidermis is constantly being renewed by newly emerging cells. This natural cycle of exfoliation takes from 52-75 days to complete.

    Treating dry skin is best done with natural light oils like jojoba, almond, grapeseed, avocado or apricot.

    Moisturizing with heavy oils not only attracts and traps dirt and toxins, but suffocates the skin as well.

    Aloe vera promotes the healing of skin, moisturizes and softens, penetrating as deep as seven layers.

    Price does not make one product more effective than another. Label reading is the only way to know that the ingredients are good for the skin.

    The following ingredients can hurt your skin even though they are found in some of the most reputable beauty products and shampoos.

    Chemicals to avoid include propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, lauramide dea, phenol carbolic acid, kaolin and mineral oil.

    The worst enemy for the skin is natural, sun exposure.

    Damage is preventable and even reversible. Dermatologists insist that there is no safe way to tan, but if guidelines are followed, damage can be minimized.

    Sunscreen should be applied every day.

    Frequent reapplications are recommended when sweating or swimming since water removes the lotion.

    The SPF signifies protection from UVB radiation for a specified length of time. If a burn is normally obtained after 10 minutes in the sun, applying an SPF 12 protects for 120 minutes (SPF 12 X 10 minutes).

    Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer with 600,000 new cases reported each year.

    Most cases are curable when detected early and treated properly.
Ninety percent of all skin cancers appear on frequently exposed areas of the face, ears, hands and forearms.

    Sensible skin care includes basic maintenance.

    Cleanse morning and evening with a pH-balanced cleanser.

    Massage and exfoliate once or twice a week to remove impurities and increase circulation.

    Toners should remove residue from cleaners and prepare the skin for the application of a moisturizer. Moisturize after cleaning and toning to help skin retain moisture and create a barrier from the elements.

    A mask is recommended once a week to stimulate circulation, soften skin, remove impurities and replenish moisture.