Skin Care 101
Bring all of your skin into total harmony
Your skin is your largest organ. Your body, excluding your face, is 7/8 of your entire organ. Your face is only 1/8 of your entire skin. Our focus begins with the largest area of your skin. Thus, our brand name: Seven 8ths.
Your skin is your first line of defense. It protects you from infections, germs and the elements. It is made up of water, protein, lipids and a variety of minerals and chemicals. Skin accounts for approximately 15% of your body weight. Your skin is the only organ you feed internally and externally. Whatever you put on your skin eventually ends up inside your body. Therefore, it is important to feed your skin only what you want inside your body: nutrients.
A healthy blanket of skin (7/8 + 1/8) requires:
Exfoliation/cleansing
Moisture/hydration
Protection from the elements and harm
Nutrients
Exfoliation & Cleansing
Did you know that your skin is constantly shedding? Every minute, all day long, the average person loses tens of thousands of dead skin cells. Removing these cells from your skin requires cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing. Use a loofah, body brush and face brush, scrub towel, body scrubs and face scrubs to cleanse and exfoliate your entire blanket of skin.
Every region or zone of your skin is different and requires variations in care and maintenance. For thinner and more delicate zones of your skin, gentle exfoliation and cleansing is recommended. Always use a gentle cleanser that unclogs your pores and removes dirt, debris and impurities without stripping your skin of essential moisture and nutrients and destroying your skin’s microbiome.
If you notice a change in your skin, it could be a sign that your overall health is compromised. But with proper skincare, you can help maintain the health and vitality of your skin and stay ahead of any changes to your general health.
Moisture & Hydration
Daily moisturizing helps maintain your blanket of skin, prevents skin conditions and delays the signs of aging. Hydrated skin is softer, smoother, more elastic and quicker to repair itself. The result is healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
Nighttime is prime time when it comes to moisturizing. At night, skin repair processes kick in to high gear with research showing that your skin repair peaks at night. During this time, the body is prone to lose more water, and the skin becomes more receptive to topical applications. Therefore, before going to bed, apply moisturizer to your entire blanket of skin.
Protection From the Elements
It should come as no surprise that the sun wreaks havoc on our skin. Protecting the skin from the effects of the sun is arguably the most important skincare practice. Sunscreen should be applied to the skin daily, even in colder months, on cloudy days and if you’re only outdoors for short periods of time. Use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen or one that protects against both UVA and UVB, preferably with an SPF of 30 or more.
Consider limiting your time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are the strongest, and wear clothing that covers the skin: long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats.
Nutrients
Your blanket of skin requires vital nutrients to remain healthy and extend its longevity. Remember: your skin is the only organ you directly feed internally and externally.
Some vital nutrients your skin needs are:
- Vitamins A, C, D, E, Bs and K
- Minerals, especially copper and zinc
- Phytonutrients (substances found in certain plants that are beneficial to human health and help prevent various diseases)
- Proteins
- Omegas 3, 6 and 9
Applying agents that hydrate, replenish and deliver nutrients into your skin and body helps maintain healthy, youthful, vital skin, as well as overall general health.
