I just stumbled across this amazing National Geographic article, Unmasking Skin. After reading it, I am finding it impossible to not be in complete awe of what are skin does everyday. I am also realizing how often I take for granted all the amazing things that my skin does for me. This is a great reminder to treat our skin just as well as anything else we consider precious or invaluable.
Thankfully, the foundations of good care are fairly simple. The famous Dr. Perricone’s recommendations fall in line with guidelines to prevent heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and other age related chronic illnesses.
Perricone argues that you can make your skin more healthy and keep it from aging by changing diet, taking the right supplements and vitamins, increasing exercise, and drinking lots of water.
I think it is fair to stop believing that taking care of your skin is mere vanity. Because our skin is so much more than an adorment meant to make us look good. Healthy skin is an indicator of a healthy whole body system. Taking care of your skin doesn’t mean looking 18 forever. It is about keeping your skin functioning optimally so it (and you!) looks and feels it’s best at any age. This point is beautifully illustrated in the closing paragraph of Unmasking Skin when the author wirtes about connecting with his dying mother.
I try to comfort her by talking, singing songs from my childhood, or just sitting quietly. I’m not sure what she can sense, but her skin feels warm and normal. I keep my fingers on her arm or cheek, anything to let her know that she is not alone and that she is loved. I realize that our only unbroken connection now is through touch. We are skin to skin, warmth to warmth. According to the textbooks, transduction within the skin is transforming physical energy to neural energy. But something far more important is occurring. Love and memory are flowing through my skin and into her dreams.
