As our body’s largest organ, our skin performs several important functions. Covering the entire body with an average area of 17 to 21 square feet, it composes approximately one-sixth of our total body weight. It ranges in thickness with the thinnest skin found on our eyelids and the thickest skin found on the palms of our hands and soles of our feet.
Our skin is almost completely waterproof, yet breathable. It is our natural raincoat, protecting us from the external environment (pollution, allergens, and toxins). It stores water and fats, regulates our body temperature, provides sensory input and eliminates waste. When our skin is damaged it can lose its ability to perform these functions.
Our skin continually renews itself. Old skin cells are gradually shed and replaced by new ones, about every 28 days. Like most of our body, our skin contains a high percentage of water. As it is exposed to the sun and wind, our skin is at more risk of drying out than any other parts of our body, hence, the huge potential for skin disorders.
Good quality moisturizers are complex formulations designed to protect, provide and maintain water content of the skin. They can be used to help restore the skin to its normal function of keeping irritants out and moisture in. Skin that is optimally moisturized is softer, suppler, more elastic and more resilient to damage such as oxidation, so it is healthier and looks better too!
Opinion leaders in the field of dermatology believe that adequate moisture is one of the most important factors in maintaining young and healthy looking skin.
Moisturized skin is healthy skin!