The skin is the outermost organ of the human body which is flexible and soft. For the sake of the healthy skin, every day people clean, moisturize and protect skin, especially women. What are the facts behind the human skin?

As quoted from HowStuffWorks, by understanding the skin, we can help place them in a perspective of how the skin fills all the space in the body.

1. The skin protects the internal organs from external elements such as extreme temperatures, ultraviolet rays from the sun and harmful chemicals.

2. The skin also helps retain water, prevent infection and produce essential proteins and vitamins. To perform all the tasks, a large amounts of skin is required.

3. Adults have an average of about 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) or approximately 22 square feet (6.7 square meters) of skin.

4. Not all skin can be seen by the eye. Human skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and fat layer under the skin, or hypodermis. And each layer has a different purpose.

Epidermis is the outer layer of skin that gives pigment-cells and produce new skin cells to replace cells that have died.

Dermis is the middle layer, is a place to feel pain and has touch receptors like blood vessels, hair follicles, collagen and elastin.

While subcutaneous layer consists of collagen and fat, which helps absorb shocks and protect the body and internal organs.

5. The skin is an organ which keeps on developing and constantly changes throughout our lives. Even humans shed about 40,000 skin cells per minute.

6. Skin experienced renewal every 35 days. This means that when a person aged 20 years, he has experienced skin turnover of 200 times.

Commercials and the media today have us all in panic not to leave the house until we have slopped on layers of sun block, demonizing the sun as the biggest contributor to skin cancer, which actually is one of the many things that effectively fight cancer. I have often wondered what is in most sun blocks, and what else could it be doing to my body other than preventing a sun burn, which not always works. Much of this curiosity hit me after I had realized how permeable our skin is. I do understand that too much sun is not good, we do not want the skin to become burned, and if you are planning to be in the sun for long periods of time, it is very wise to use sun protection, but slopping on layers on sun block every time we leave the house concerns me.

The sun is the absolute best way our bodies receive the amount of vitamin D it needs to maintain optimal health. Sun block does more than prevent sun burn; it also prevents your skin from producing the very important vitamin D, which to me seems like a complete waste of sun exposure. The most natural skin care treatment one can receive is from the sun. The right amount of sun exposure is very critical for not just healthier skin, but a healthier immune system as well.

In just the past 10 years alone many scientists have been exploring vitamin D more and more rapidly, and are amazed how it affects the body. Some experts suggest that over 80% of children and adults are deficient in vitamin D, which deficiency in vitamin D causes the immune system to not do its job properly.

Vitamin D helps the body produce over 200 antimicrobial peptides that fight off infections such as Crohn’s disease. Vitamin D also helps prevent and treat many cancers such as lymphoma, lung, prostate, colon and skin cancer. Scientist and Doctors are beginning to discover more and more benefits of vitamin D, and are encouraging more so today than ever before, not just those who are deficient, but everyone to get their vitamin D levels checked 3-4 times a year.

You may live in an area where you cannot receive the right amount of vitamin D from the sun and are deficient. If this is the case you can take vitamin D supplements, but want to be careful you are receiving the right amount. When receiving vitamin D naturally from the sun the body self regulates the amount it needs through the skin. The body does not do this when taking vitamin D orally. Too much vitamin D can be harmful which is why it is very important to have your blood tested. The optimal level of vitamin D should be between 55-65 ng/ml. There are two different test available, 1, 25 (OH) D, and 25(OH) D. The 25 (OH) D which is also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D is most recommended by doctors as the better marker for vitamin D status.

Most important things to consider when wanting to obtain vitamin D naturally from the sun, is common sense, “don’t overdo it”! For the first few times being exposed to the sun limit yourself to about fifteen minutes or so, before protecting your skin from the sun’s rays, gradually build a tolerance. By midsummer you can spend nearly an entire day outside without getting sunburn, and of course if you are going to be exposed to extreme sun conditions for great lengths of time, then yes, protect your skin, whether it is wearing a hat, clothing, or using a natural sun screen, that is free from harmful chemicals.

The benefits of fish oil on skin can be harnessed from fatty acids called EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). Journal of Lipid Research in 1995 has found startling evidences that EPA works three-fold: inhibit the secretion of sebum, (which is commonly known as skin oil), produces anti-inflammatory substances called prostaglandins, and discourages the production of Arachidonic acid. The research recommends that achieve good skin health, a 1000 mg of fish oil a day with healthy food will do the trick.

Our skin, like all our body organs, is subjected to the wear and tear of daily living.  The disappearance of our once rosy pink complexion we once had when we were infants is inevitable. But the recent strides in medical technology and discoveries in science have helped us in keeping our skin’s health to the optimum, locking in the look of youth and warding away the symptoms of aging. And if there is one product that lives up to the true promise of medical research, nothing can top fish oil in the list.

The benefits of fish oil on skin can be harnessed from fatty acids called EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). Journal of Lipid Research in 1995 has found startling evidences that EPA works three-fold: inhibit the secretion of sebum, (which is commonly known as skin oil), produces anti-inflammatory substances called prostaglandins, and discourages the production of Arachidonic acid.  The research recommends that achieve good skin health, a 1000 mg of fish oil a day with healthy food will do the trick.

What do these three things mean and what are the benefits of fish oil on skin?  EPA lessens the production of androgens, the male sexual hormone that signals the body to produce sebum. Less androgens would mean less sebum on the skin. By reducing the amount of sebum on the skin surface, teenagers suffering from acnes will see less pimples and facial lesions. Remember that excessive production of oil clogs the skin pores, producing vile facial eruptions.

Prostaglandins are substances that keep the cell repair at work. Without prostaglandins, the cells in the body find it more difficult to remove waste products. In addition, the absence of prostaglandins would mean less production of new cells in the body. By renewing the cells, the fish oil makes it possible for skin to stay younger-looking and supple. This means that the products delay ageing and  keep wrinkles away.

Arachidonic acids are found in people with inflammatory skins, such as those who are suffering from skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. The fatty acids in fish oil make it possible for arachidonic acid to be produced in large amounts, giving relief to people whose skin and appearance have been severely affected by disease.

Lastly, one of the most important benefits of fish oil on skin is that fish oil improves blood circulation. If blood is allowed to flow without impediments, this would mean that the skin will receive sufficient supply of nutrients. Skin cells will have greater ability to renew, making it possible for the skin to stay young and wrinkle-free.

Glycerin, a very common ingredient in a ton of the best moisturizers sold on the market has fell on some hard reviews. Due to the fact that glycerin can make nitroglycerin, which is a known ingredient in dynamite, people have been blasting the moisturizing ingredient. Also, there have been many reports of this ingredient drying out the skin. From all the negative feedback so many are giving glycerin, they have forgot to take a look at this moisturizing ingredients positive effects. You may be surprised about how many good effects come from the use of glycerin being used as a moisturizing ingredient.

First off, I want to address the report of glycerin being a very drying ingredient. The complete opposite is true in regards to this element. Actually, I would go as far to say that glycerin is probably one of the best moisturizing ingredients that is out on the market right now. This is due to its ability to not drain water from the skin (which is what was originally perceived) but to retain water in the skin. Providing moisture to the areas on our bodies that truly need the help. Glycerin helps the skins  natural protection by filling in areas known as the intercellular matrix and by attracting just the right amount of water to maintain the skin’s natural healthy glow.

This best moisturizing ingredient has another attractive positive in its corner; there are no side effects. That is right, glycerin is known for acting very well with skin. This is due to the fact that glycerin is a very organic component found in plants of in the fat of animals. Actually, glycerin is the natural lipids (fat) that are produced from these organisms. Now a day, the use of animals to obtain this moisturizing ingredient, as well as for other reasons, is not a very popular avenue of retrieving these lipids. So in the products that we are all purchasing, glycerin is mostly used from plant life, not animals.

Yet another positive for glycerin; recently studies have proven that this best moisturizing ingredient can actually help greatly with such skin conditions like psoriasis, some types of skin cancer, and in healing wounds on our skin. Helping the skin cells mature properly is the reason behind how this element helps in reducing these skin conditions. In skin issues of this sort, scientists have narrowed down the reasons for their formation to the skin cells in our body and the way they move through our system. New skin cells only procedure is to produce more and more skin cells, if this process is stopped or damaged in any way then cancers and other conditions may form. So the fact that glycerin can help in make sure all processes are working properly gives us less of a risk of developing anything that may be detrimental to our health.

And these above positives are just a few, there are other positive involved with glycerin in a moisturizing product that make it one of the best moisturizing ingredients that we can ask for. So the next time you are in the market for a new cream or lotion, check to see if glycerin is involved in its makeup. You will be giving you body some extra help, which in turn will make you a very happy and healthy person. Sounds good to me.

Some don’t even know it. There are skin lightening products to help get rid of your hyperpigmentation, melasma, freckles, uneven skin tone, dark skin discolorations, acne scars, dark underarms, elbows, knees or inner thighs. But a safety issue is raised over the availability of harmful skin lighteners or whiteners in the market.

Knowing what to choose and how to use will help you achieve the fair skin tone from products that actually deliver.

Success in skin lightening of dark skin pigmentations does not rely on products alone. In addition to the skin whiteners, a good regimen should also include sunscreen, Vitamin C and moisturizers.

A good sunscreen should have a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50 or better to prevent further darkening or sun damage. You should know that the powerful sun radiates both UVA and UVB rays that a good sunscreen should block. UVA rays are capable of aging and wrinkling of the skin, while UVB is the culprit for sunburn and probable skin cancer. If you should look for the ingredients in a sunscreen, choose the ones with Avobenzone, Zinc Oxide, PArsol 1789 or Mexoryl-SX. Wear sunscreen at all times whenever outdoors, whether you’re in a skin lightening regimen or not.

500mg of Vitamin C supplement can decrease the production of melanin (brown pigments responsible for skin tanning). Ever wonder why glutathione (whitening) pills are taken with Vitamin C? It’s the ascorbic acid that does most of the job actually, so you’d be better off taking these supplements while using skin lightening products for best results.

Your favorite moisturizers will keep your skin hydrated during the skin whitening process. Remember skin lighteners have a mild drying effect (that’s why in some cases, acne is controlled while lightening the acne scars) necessary to prepare the skin for exfoliation and peeling off the dull and unwanted dark skin patches. You should apply your face cream or body lotions 15-20 minutes after using the skin lightening products.

Suggested time to apply skin lighteners is at bedtime, then use sunscreen at daytime.

Follow these simple secrets and you’ll be on your way to better self esteem, even skin tone and a rosy whiter skin!