Focus on.... a healthy skin

Did you know that the skin is our largest organ? It covers the entire body's external surface but it is much more than just an envelope to contain all the inside workings of the body!

In no particular order:

• It is the first line of defence against external aggressions, such as pathogens, UV light damage, chemical and mechanical trauma

• It regulates temperature and water loss

• It is crucial in the production of vitamin D

• It is our key to the tactile world[1]

The upper layer of the epidermis or skin renews itself by shedding 40,000 or so dead cells every day and so you actually have a new skin every month![2] However to maintain a healthy skin, its water content needs to be maintained. If the skin loses too much water (and pollution, UV damage, chemical aggression, ageing and skin disease, such as dermatitis are all contributors to this), it can feel and look dry or flaky.

It is important as we are more and more subject to the factors above that we look after our skin. This is where ‘moisturisers’ come in. There are two main types:

• Occlusive moisturisers which prevent water loss on the surface of the skin by forming a barrier, allowing the deeper layers to replenish the water content to the top layer.

• Humectants which draw and bind water to the skin very quickly. However, some can be drying if not combined with occlusive moisturisers[3]

At Naturally ByCipi, I have chosen to formulate all my products as occlusive moisturisers. They are anhydrous (don't contain water) as I believe that without the bulking effect of water in the products I can give the best of the ingredients I use. I also believe that preventing moisture loss is key to a healthy, smooth skin. It is best to use moisturisers after showering.

So why not have a look at my body products? And remember, always wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Cheers!

[1] Yousef H, Alhajj M, Sharma S. Anatomy, Skin (Integument), Epidermis. [Updated 2022 Nov 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470464/ [2]Sample I, The science of skin: everything you need to know about your body’s biggest organ – and how to protect it [Internet]. The Guardian Newspaper. Available at https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/sep/30/an-expert-guide-to-skin [3] Harwood A, Nassereddin A, Krishnamurthy K. Moisturizers. [Updated 2022 Aug 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/