HIMPower Magazine August 2015 | Page 37

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE SKIN THE MOST COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS Strong Protection The role of the skin is often underestimated. Your skin is the body's first line of defense against external threats, such as sunlight, cold weather, dirt, dust and viruses. It also protects your internal organs from injury and infection. When you expose your skin to the sun it produces vitamin D. Your body needs vitamin D to keep your bones and muscles strong and healthy. ACNE The blood vessels, hairs and sweat glands in your skin play a vital role in managing the body’s temperature. When you are hot and need to cool down, the blood vessels in your skin expand and allow heat to escape. As you are sweating, your body hairs lie flat to allow the escaping heat to pass out of the body. In reverse, when you are cold and need to retain heat, the opposite happens. Your blood vessels tighten, you produce far less sweat and your hairs stand on end in an attempt to trap warm air around your body. Acne is the most common disease seen by dermatologists; it affects over 80% of teenagers and many young and even middle age adults who are experiencing hormonal changes. Acne is an inflammatory condition caused by excessive sebum (an oily substance secreted by glands that are especially numerous on the face, neck, chest and back) and dead skin cells becoming trapped in the pores, providing a place for bacteria to grow. It is also an internal, systemic condition, because excessive sebum production is influenced by a combination of factors such as: hormonal imbalance, food allergy, nutritional imbalances, poor elimination and stress. Sensation Anti Acne Recommendations Temperature Control Your skin is home to numerous nerve endings and receptors that sense changes and allow you to feel objects, sense pain and pressure and differentiate hot from cold. Vitamin D Production When you expose your skin to the sun it produces vitamin D. Your body needs vitamin D to keep your bones and muscles strong and healthy. Once started on a skin health program, don’t give up even if you do not see results immediately. New skin cells take approximately 20-30 days to be produced and then migrate to the surface, so it may take 1-2 months to begin seeing results. Below are some guidelines that may assist you in attaining both better health and clearer skin. On a personal level, I recommend a customized approach that suits your needs. www.pneupathforliving.com  37