Skin; It covers our entire body. It is the largest organ we have, and although our skin is important for aesthetic purposes, there is more than what lays on the surface, that is of greater importance.
SKIN SCIENCE
Our skin is made up of three main parts: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis layer. The first layer (epidermis) consists of five layers of keratin-containing cells, as well as langerhans (for immunity), merkels (for the reception of touch), and melanocytes (responsible for skin colour).
The second & third parts of the skin (dermis & hypodermis) contains sensory neurons, blood & lymphatic vessels, along with connective tissue and fibres. This connection between the outside environment, our absorbent cells and our blood vessels means there is certainly more than aesthetics going on!
PROTECTION
One of the skin’s main function is protection. Protection from the outside
world, against opportunistic bacteria, and harmful ultraviolet rays. When the integrity of skin is compromised, we start to see more wear and tear, spots and infection.
HEALING
With more risk of damage to the skin comes more potential for wounds, and slower wound healing. Have you noticed an old scratch that took forever to heal or even scar? Do you suffer from cyclic acne that takes the entire month to heal, only to reappear again at the sight of a full moon? Time to check in with your skin!
ABSORPTION
Keeping in mind that the skin has a direct link to blood vessels - what we put on the outside... will end up in the inside too. Take a look at the ingredients used in your creams, lotions, gels and sprays - is it supporting your skin, or burdening your entire body?
With more and more research going into understanding the harmful chemicals used in everyday products, we need to keep an eye out of these. And if you’re not already, switch them out for ingredients that supports your entire body... skin, blood, mind, body.
WHAT TO AVOID
Aluminum, DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine) TEA (Triethanolamine), Mineral Oil (petroleum), Parabens, PEG (Polyethylene glycol), Phthalates, PG (Propylene glycol), Siloxane, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), Synthetic fragrances, Triclosan...
These are often used in skin products and have been liked with hormonal & neurological disturbances, skin irritation and even cancers.
WHAT WE LOVE
•Our skin loves to be nourished with beautiful, plant-based oils such as almond, jojoba, macadamia, and sunflower. Added healing qualities from organic essential oils and herbal infused oils give our skin protection, strength and integrity.
•Natural solidifiers such as beeswax or plant based butters such as shea or cacao create an easy-to-apply texture while adding the soothing property of the beeswax or butter itself.
•Vitamin E not only acts as an antioxidant for our skin and body, but as a preservative to protect the oils used in natural skin products.
That’s why we LOVE stocking nourishing skin products such as Country Kitchen, Tahi, Petal Head, Maryse and CoSkin at Tea & Tonic. Check out our range of New Zealand Made skin products that nourish our skin, blood, mind & body here.
Love the skin you’re in. Treat it well, naturally.
