The largest organ in the body, the skin, shows no mercy when it comes to exposing our health and lifestyle choices. For instance, breakouts of acne can mirror back to us our stressful and overly scheduled lives. Similarly, if our water intake is very low our skin may show signs of dehydration with itchy or flaky skin. This is in fact a wonderful mechanism of the skin in that it has the ability to show us when things are internally out of balance. Furthermore, taking care of your skin can be both relaxing and rewarding.
Dr. Alan M. Dattner, founder of Holistic Dermatology in New York states that “skin is the barrier that divides you from the world around you, and at the same time the surface with which to touch the world.” His work involves finding the root cause of skin conditions with the use of natural therapeutic aids and conventional medicines. So, pay attention to the language of the skin as it may just tell you something crucially important.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, here are some red flags with regards to your skin that may require you to seek medical help.
New Rashes
A rash that you’ve never seen before or does not respond to treatment should signal you to visit your doctor. Furthermore, if a rash is accompanied by a fever, joint pain or other symptoms of an infection inside the body, you should also see your doctor immediately.
New Growths
Growths on the body can be an indicator of skin cancer and should be checked out right away by a dermatologist. Early detection is a key factor for the successful treatment of skin cancer.
Changes in Skin Color
For example, yellowing of the skin can be signs of liver disease or jaundice. Darkening or lightening of the skin can indicate different diseases such as Addison’s disease and should be checked out by a doctor immediately.
Changes in Texture
If you find that your skin has become unusually hard, soft or forms folds and patches, you may want to see your doctor as well.
Any of the changes noted on the list above require immediate action on your part, and taking care of your skin can prevent those issues from occurring. If you do become afflicted with an ailment, don’t wait to see if the condition will go away as it’s always best to be sure.
So, what are some ways to nourish the skin so that it can function optimally? Here are a couple of quick tips on how to take care of your skin.
Give your skin what it needs! The skin needs plenty of healthy fats, water, vitamins and minerals to do its job. Eat avocados, fresh salads, salmon, flax seeds and walnuts to show your skin some love! Carry water with you in the car or in your bag and sip on it throughout the day. Moisture and fats are very important in maintaining the skin’s structure.
Protect yourself! Wear proper clothing for the elements. Cover up in cases of extreme cold or heat and be sure to use moisturizers and sun screen. Don’t expose yourself to harsh chemicals and make sure that the products you place on the skin are natural.
Lastly, remember to pamper yourself! Pedicures for tired feet are a wonderful way to get rid of dry, tough skin on the feet and toes. Facials are excellent ways to relax, can stimulate circulation in the face and promote healthy, glowing skin. Massages are an overall treat for the skin. You can pick essential oils, seaweed wraps, or dry skin brushing to remove toxins and mud baths.
Remember, taking care of your skin is very important and it doesn’t need to be a chore. Show it some love!
This article was originally published on www.NaturallySavvy.com
*Image of “facial mask” via Shutterstock
