Why do some people always seem to have a healthy, youthful, and glowing complexion? Being the largest organ in our bodies, the skin demands an extensive array of nutrients to function properly and remain wrinkle free, soft, and glowing. Like all the other tissues in the body, the skin needs nutrients to repair and rebuild damaged skin and to help protect it from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Each cell in our bodies is programmed to divide only a certain number of times, and as we age, this, coupled with a general deterioration in the function of essential enzymes, means that our ability to regenerate and repair our skin gradually diminishes. Throw into this mix the ravaging of our skins by UV radiation, and we are faced with a formidable uphill battle against wrinkling and aging.
The skin protects the internal organs from the environment, forming an efficient barrier against the invasion of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Molecules in the skin absorb harmful radiation, protecting the internal organs from damage. Harmful chemicals and other substances are prevented from entering our bodies, where they could poison the delicate enzyme systems that keep us alive. The deep layer of skin, known as the hypodermis, contains fat cells that keep us warm and act as a cushion against external impact. Fat cells in the skin also store excess energy, protecting us during periods of fasting or starvation. Connective tissue in the skin keeps the skin smooth and wrinkle free. The nerve endings in the skin communicate with our brains about the environment and protect us by immediately warning us when we are exposed to danger, such as hot or sharp objects. Our skins are also an important source of vitamin D, which it generates when exposed to sunlight. Sweat glands in the skin make us sweat when we are hot, and the evaporation of the sweat helps to keep us cool. Sweat also serves to excrete harmful substances from our bodies.
This cornucopia of functions requires energy and building materials, which can only come from the food we consume. Without adequate nutrition, all the cosmetic creams and procedures are worthless and will do little to improve our appearance.
The collagen and other cells in the skin require protein to grow and maintain their integrity. The softness of the skin and its sponginess (turgor) is a function of the moisture and fat content of the skin. Moisture is obtained from the liquids we drink, and the essential fatty acids the skin needs to remain soft and supple comes from the fats and oils contained in seeds, nuts, and animal products we eat.
Without the protective effect of antioxidants and other phytochemicals, our skins would soon wrinkle and sag under the effect of the UV radiation from the sun. Eating an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables is therefore of major importance to preserving the appearance of our skin. But antioxidants also come in the form of vitamins, of which vitamins A, C, and E are the most active in the skin. Not only are these phytonutrients protecting us from harmful radiation and wrinkling, but they are important for maintaining the production of collagen and the matrix that surrounds the cells. Trace elements, such as zinc, copper and selenium, act as coenzymes that are essential for the normal function of important enzyme systems. Zinc is important for the healing of wounds in our skin. Without these vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, our skins could hardly look vibrant and youthful.
It is clear that to satisfy this huge and variegated demand for nutrients, a balanced and varied diet is essential. Our meals should always include fruits, vegetables, proteins, healthy fats, and a small amount of carbohydrates. The important antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals will come from the wide variety of fruits and vegetables we eat, or we can take these in the form of supplements. The essential fatty acids can come from seeds, nuts, legumes and animal products we eat (if we eat animal products). Proteins necessary for the regeneration of skin may also come from these sources. If you want to truly stay young and look beautiful, work from the inside out. Beauty is not only skin deep.