phenomeNEWS - This Month's Article

Beautiful Skin With Eight Easy Steps

by Susan Smith Jones

The skin is the largest single organ of the body and comes in many colors, textures and patterns. Imagine a material that is waterproof, yet can let out water and oil, that can protect like a suit of armor and yet is infinitely sensitive to touch, that remains strong yet penetrably flexible. It is also a beautiful material – whether pink and white, brown, yellow or black.

It’s amazing to think that all we ever see of one another – and the basis of so many of our judgments about each other – is skin surfaces and hair. The skin is continually growing from within, creating new cells that push their way outward. The skin on the palm of your hand renews every 24 hours, your face every 7 days and on the rest of your body every 30 days. Yet the skin, perhaps more than any other part of the body, tells the world how we feel mentally and physically as well as how we care for and respect our bodies. American Indians used to diagnose body ailments by the lines in the face.

The skin of an adult covers a surface area of about 18 to 21 square feet. Weighing in at about six pounds, the skin is about one-eighth of an inch thick, varying at different areas of the body. It’s well supplied with a variety of glands, blood vessels and nerves and consists of three distinct layers: the epidermis (which is composed of four sub-layers), the dermis and the subcutaneous fat. The dermis layer relies on the protein collagen to keep it in mint condition by acting as a supporter and as a major building block of the skin. Elastin, another protein, gives the skin its supple, elastic quality.

In an average square inch of skin there are approximately 200 blood and lymph vessels, 100 oil glands, 650 sweat glands, 28 motor nerves, 13 sense receptors for cold, 78 for heat, 1,300 tactile receptors and 65 hairs, plus millions of independent cell forms.

FUNCTIONS OF THE SKIN

Two million pores cover the body’s surface and function together as an efficient cooling system. Exercise can raise internal temperature up to seven degrees above normal. The body dissipates that excess heat through perspiration, which evaporates on the skin. Besides cooling and protecting the body, the skin also serves as a sense organ. The fetus probably receives most sensations through the skin. From the moment of birth, humans require touching and physical affection just as much as food.

Yet, what is so remarkable is that no two people on earth have identical skin formation – not even twins – as demonstrated in the science of fingerprinting. The skin is an organ of amazing complexity, which we are only beginning to understand.

The sun is the body’s most effective, efficient and least expensive source of vitamin D, appropriately termed the “sunshine” vitamin. The action of the sun’s ultraviolet rays activate a form of cholesterol which is present in the skin, converting it to vitamin D. Most of the body’s needs for vitamin D can be met from monitored exposure to sunlight and eating small amounts of certain foods like sprouted seeds, mushrooms and sunflower seeds.
On the other hand, many people still feel that a deep golden tan is the mark of the leisure class, portraying health and beauty. The sun does have some beneficial effects, such as clearing up acne, relaxing tired muscles and creating a positive psychological effect, but too much of this good thing is just about the skin’s worst enemy.

BEAUTIFYING YOUR SKIN

Besides using common sense when it comes to skin exposure, here are a few more proven tips you can use to revitalize your skin in record-breaking time.

1. Dry Skin Brushing. Dry skin brushing is one of the best ways to create beautiful skin all over your body. It has been popular in Europe for decades and is finally beginning to catch on here. Not only does it improve the appearance of your skin, giving you a healthy glow, but it also helps your body eliminate toxins. The skin is your biggest eliminative organ and when it is dry-brushed, it assists in sloughing off the dead cells that lie on the skin’s surface. This enables toxins to be released more efficiently. Refer to my book, The Healing Power of NatureFoods for detailed information on dry skin brushing and it’s many benefits for your skin and overall health.

2. Deep Breathing. As you age, your cells become less able to use the oxygen in the air to generate cell energy. My advice is to optimize your breathing and enhance the air you breath with ActiveAir combined with deep breathing on a daily basis. Using the ActiveAir machine 3-4 times weekly has made a profound difference in the quality of my skin. Developing rhythmic, diaphragmatic breathing will have help your skin glow with youthful vitality. Refer to my website, click on Susan’s Favorite Products and read my article on “Breathing Your Way to Vibrant Health.”

3. Exercise. Exercise improves circulation throughout the body and creates an increase in body heat. Heat draws blood into the skin surface, increasing dermal capillary circulation. And with a greater blood flow to the capillaries of the skin comes more nourishment and a better complexion. Your skin benefits from most types of heat: exercise, aromatherapeutic baths, massage and saunas. Check out Health Mate Saunas on my website and click on Susan’s Favorite Products.

4. Sleep. Sleep is not only good for overall health, but is imperative for healthy skin. Like so many other organs, the skin regenerates and heals most effectively while you sleep, so getting adequate rest will help keep your skin healthy and beautiful. Please refer to my book, Be Healthy~Stay Balanced for more information about the salubrious effects of sleep and how to sleep more soundly.

5. Diet. A healthy diet is essential for healthy skin. Nutrients in plant-based foods nourish the skin and provide all the elements necessary to keep skin looking youthful. Not only do these colorful, fiber-rich foods help keep the digestive system moving smoothly, but they are also rich in antioxidants – like vitamins C and E, various carotenoids and flavonoids – all beneficial to the skin. Eating an antioxidant-rich diet also bolsters our protection against disease.

6. Water. Water is as important as diet for keeping your skin healthy. In fact, you’ll see a difference in the appearance of your skin in just three days if you drink at least a half-gallon (64 ounces) of purified water daily. I usually drink at least 80 ounces of water daily and even more if I work out for more than two hours that day. Increased water consumption will make your skin softer, smoother and more toned.

7. Natural Skin Care Products. For 30 years, I have used the skin care products by Reviva Labs, which are available in natural food stores. Three of my favorite Reviva products include their Optimum Antioxidant Facial Mask with Artichoke, Hydrogen Peroxide Green Papaya Mask and their Light Skin Peel. These products will do wonders for bringing a radiant, healthy glow back to your skin. If you don’t live near a natural food store, visit: you can order them through the following website: www.RevivaLabs.com.

8. Positive Attitude & Meditation. A positive attitude and meditation bring more vitality to our lives by reducing stress, anxiety and pain. Scientists are even discovering that meditation also helps keep us wrinkle-free and healthy. Those who meditate regularly look 12-15 years younger than non-meditators of the same age. Meditation also reduces tension in the body and helps foster a positive attitude.

© Susan Smith Jones, MS, PhD is an internationally renowned motivational speaker, frequent radio/TV talk show guest, culinary instructor, holistic lifestyle coach and author of 17 books, including “Be Healthy~Stay Balanced: 21 Simple Choices to Create More Joy & Less Stress” and “The Healing Power of NatureFoods: 50 Revitalizing SuperFoods & Lifestyle Choices to Promote Vibrant Health” (Hay House, 3-book series). To order NatureFoods, please call Hay House (800) 654-5126. To learn more about Susan and her work or to order her other books and audio programs, visit: www.SusanSmithJones.com