Happy Monday 👋 

Every week, I go deep into the roots of health in search of the best ingredients to prepare a delicious and nutritious menu for you!

On today’s menu I’ve got: Skin Health

Enjoy!

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Starter 🥗 

Nature’s Shield

Without it, we’d literally fall apart. 🍂 

It’s the first thing people notice, yet most of us don’t pay attention to it - until something goes wrong. 👀 

Dark spots, rashes, dandruff, and breakouts - next thing you know, you're deep in Google, diagnosing yourself with the worst possible condition. (We’ve all been there!) 😉 

Some people swear by a 10-step routine, while others barely remember to wash their face.

But here’s the thing - skin health is more than just looking good; it’s about protecting and maintaining your body’s largest organ in shape.

So, what truly promotes skin health, and what is just marketing hype?

Let’s dive into our skin! 🤿 

Main 🥙 

The Skin’s Job

The skin, which is composed of water, protein, fats, and minerals, forms the largest and heaviest organ in our body.

It enables touch (tactile) sensations, regulates body temperature, and protects us from external germs. 🦠

Made up of three layers (epidermis, dermis & hypodermis), the skin has the following responsibilities:

The top layer, the epidermis, works as a protective barrier, produces new skin cells (every 28 days), and gives the skin its color (melanin). 🏾 

90% of the skin's thickness lies in the middle layer, the dermis. In addition to nerve receptors, it contains collagen and elastin (for cell strength & elasticity), promotes hair growth, and produces sweat and oil. 💪 

The fatty layer, also known as the hypodermis, is the bottom layer of skin. It protects the muscles and bones, has connective tissue, and is where body temperature regulation occurs. 🌡️ 

All skins typically have the same structure and function. However, we differentiate ourselves by the skin color and type (normal, dry, oily, or sensitive).

But how do you exactly identify your skin type? 🤔 

1. To identify your skin type, start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting it dry.

2. Wait an hour without applying any products or touching your face.

3. Then, press a cotton pad or tissue against your T-zone and observe the results.

4. Now, check both the tissue and your skin for clues - does it feel oily, dry, or somewhere in between?

Dessert 🍰 

Boost Your Skin Health

Great skin isn’t about expensive products - it’s about daily habits. 📆 

From what you eat to how you sleep, small changes can make a big difference.

Here are some simple but powerful ways to boost your skin health:

• 🏼 Know your skin type (dry, oily, or sensitive)

• ☀️ Apply sun protection (mineral-based sunscreen & protective clothing)

• 🧴 Use gentle skin care products (mild cleansers & moisturizers)

• 🚬 Stop smoking

• 🍸️ Avoid alcohol

• 🍭 Limit your sugar intake (and foods with a high glycemic index) 

• 😰 Manage your stress

• 🥗 Eat a healthy diet

• 💤 Get enough quality sleep

• 🚰 Drink enough water

Bonus tip: Applying fewer products to your skin typically improves its appearance. Why? The more you apply, the greater the likelihood that your skin will react negatively to a chemical within. ✔️