Have you ever heard the saying:
"Don't put something on your skin that you wouldn't put in your mouth"?
I had, a lot. This troubled me for a long time in situations like public bathrooms, but ultimately ended up being a blessing for my overall health.
In the realm of health and wellness, we often emphasize the importance of what we put into our bodies, closely monitoring our diets and the nutrients we consume. However, there's another aspect of our health that deserves equal attention—what we put on our bodies. Our skin, often referred to as the body's "second mouth," plays a crucial role in our overall health, not just as a protective barrier, but as a medium of absorption.
The Absorptive Power of Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it's incredibly permeable. Just like our digestive system breaks down food and absorbs nutrients, our skin can absorb substances it comes into contact with. This ability is both a blessing and a curse. On the positive side, it means that topical applications of certain nutrients can be an effective way to deliver health benefits. For example, topical vitamin C is renowned for its ability to boost collagen production and protect against UV damage when absorbed by the skin. These benefits expand to nature too, as vitamin D synthesis is a well-known process that occurs when our skin is exposed to sunlight
However, this absorptive property also means that our skin can take in harmful substances. Chemicals found in some skincare products, pollutants in the air, and toxins in water can all be absorbed through the skin. This is why there's a growing movement towards natural and organic skincare products, as people become more aware of the potential risks associated with synthetic chemicals.
These synthetic chemicals are unfortunately embedded in our current society, using names like “parabens” and “phthalates” and these flood our skincare products, cosmetics, and even household items. Over time, the accumulation of these toxins eventually can flood our bodies as well and contribute to various health issues, including hormonal imbalances, allergies, and even cancer.
How Does Our Skin Absorb Substances?
The skin is made up of several layers, with the outermost layer, the epidermis, serving as the primary barrier. This layer is crucial in regulating absorption. Fortunately, or unfortunately, this absorption isn’t very picky as the skin is a sponge that will absorb almost anything you put onto it.
Think of college the Epidermis like the bouncer at that bar that would allow any 17 year old with a fake ID inside.
Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and glands. When substances penetrate the epidermis, they can enter the dermis and be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Examples of this practice in action are nicotine patches and birth control patches. These patches deliver medication directly to the bloodstream and steadily over time, showcasing the skin's ability to take in and transport substances to the rest of the body.
Protecting Our Second Mouth
Repetition is key for learning: If you wouldn't eat it, you likely should not apply it to your skin
Given the skin's absorptive abilities, it's crucial to be mindful of what we expose it to. Here are some tips to protect your skin:
Read Labels and Choose Natural Skincare:
Opt for products with natural, non-toxic ingredients.
We have plenty of literature on why minerals found in natural substances like Aloe and Tallow are great for your skin, so for the purpose of this article we will get into what to avoid.
Unfortunately, looking for labels like "organic” is not enough. As mentioned earlier, there are hidden poisons in almost all of our commercially available topical skin care products: parabens, sulfates, and synthetic "fragrance", etc.
This is not commonly talked about, as there are lots of companies that profit off of creating the cheapest-possible product and selling it to you. There should not take the research equivalent of a PHD to actively not poison yourself, but alas this is the world we live in. Familiarize yourself with common harmful ingredients in skincare products, and check labels before making a purchase.
Pro-tip: Even soap marketed as healthy and natural will often betray us. They will contain innocuous sounding ingredients like "Palm Oil" and “Glycerin” – These are seed oils, which lead to inflammation and disease: unhealthy for our skin and our body alike. More on this in a future article
Hydrate and Nourish: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain your skin's natural barrier and supports the elimination of toxins. Further, keeping your skin hydrated with natural oils and moisturizers topically will prevent it from looking or feeling dry.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Many people change their diet and their skin changes immediately. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help support your skin's health and its ability to protect itself. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats in your diet.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking can damage your skin's collagen and elastin, making it more vulnerable to environmental damage. Quitting smoking can help protect your skin's health and appearance.
Limit Exposure to Pollutants: Whenever possible, avoid exposure to air pollution, smoke, and other environmental toxins that can harm your skin. You can use a protective barrier cream or antioxidant-rich skincare products to provide an extra layer of defense.
Use a Natural Fiber Pillowcase and Wash Frequently: Polyester is another silent poison of this generation, and sleeping on Polyester pillowcases will long term effect your pores and skin health.
Regulating Sun Damage:
(I will avoid endorsing sunscreen and recommend against sun exposure in this article, as this is a very nuanced topic and deserves its own post in the future. Do what you think is right and try to not get sunburnt.)
Conclusion
Our skin is more than just a protective barrier; it's a dynamic organ that interacts with the environment in complex ways. By treating our skin with the same care we give our internal health (understanding its absorptive properties and being mindful of what we expose it to), we can support its natural functions and achieve optimal health.
Remember, what you put on your skin can be just as important as what you put in your mouth, so choose wisely and treat your skin with the respect it deserves. Taking care of your skin is not just about aesthetics – it's a vital organ and an integral part of your overall well-being.
Love your skin and it will love you back.