I read today that our skin weighs about 5kg and has a surface area over our bodies about the size of a double bed! One thing I didn’t know was that as well as our skin on the outside, we also have skin on the inside over our lungs and digestive tract. This skin covers a much larger area and is completely replaced every 20 days!*

The condition of our outside skin is so often a barometer of our health. Facial puffiness and acne for example may be a result of hormonal imbalance; dry or rough skin may indicate dehydration; and cellulite may be caused by excess saturated fats in our diet.

As with so much of our health, the kinds of food we eat, as well as the amount of water we drink, play a big role in the condition of our skin. So, if you are interested in a few tips to hopefully enhance the health and appearance of our skin, here are some that I have read about today:

WATER – is evidently like a natural moisturiser and is crucial for keeping the skin looking youthful and taut, soft and healthy. Lack of water or dehydration leaves the cells of the body in desperate need of replenishment. Water is vital for the cells in our bodies to be rebuilt and also for eliminating toxins and waste products. *Tip – As well as drinking the recommended 6-8 glasses of water each day, why not start the day with a cup of hot water with a squeeze of fresh lemon as a kind of mini-cleanser.

FRUIT & VEG – are considered the best sources of natural plant antioxidants. These antioxidants are essential for slowing down the ageing and degenerating of our cells and skin. *Tip – Go for as much ‘colour’ as possible with choices of fruit and vegetables – red, orange and yellow for example in carrots, apricots and water melon; green foods such as broccoli and watercress and purple berries and grapes.*

FATTY ACIDS – Our skin is made up of many cells and the membranes of these cells are partly made up of essential fats.* These fats keep the cells soft and smooth, and also help the cells to retain water which in turn affects the quality of our skin. Oily fish, nuts, and oils from seeds are really good sources of these essential fatty acids. *Tip – Sprinkle pumpkin, sunflower or sesame seeds over your salads; or throw a handful of nuts in with your cereal or yogurt.

Other lifestyle factors can have a negative or damaging effect on the condition of our skin. Watch out for over-exposure to the sun and pollution, as well as cigarette smoke and excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine.

One last lovely tip for gorgeous skin that I came across is a Honey Mask. Apply honey to your face and leave for 30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Evidently this softens the skin beautifully and has a lovely nourishing effect.

*For these health and fitness posts I always add a little disclaimer to say that this information is not intended as expert advice. If you are looking for expert advice or have a particular condition, please do consult your GP or a qualified nutritionist :). *Reference: Holford, P, New Optimum Nutrition Bible (Piatkus, 2004) pp 232-243.