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Understanding and Promoting Skin Health

The integumentary system, the skin, is the largest organ of the body. It covers the entire body. The skin Regulates body temperature, Stores water and fat, it is a sensory organ, prevents water loss, Prevents entry of bacteria, Acts as a barrier between the organism and its environment, and also Helps to make vitamin D when exposed to the sun. (OpenStax, 2018). The skin takes on different thickness, color, and texture all over our body. The integument, or the cutaneous membrane is made of the Epidermis, the Dermis, and the Hypodermis. (OpenStax, 2018). As a community health worker, promoting healthy skin, educating my community about the importance and functions of skin in the human body is very important. Mainly they should be educated about the factors creating skin health and problems and the solutions to prevent them. UV rays: The UV rays from the sun can damage the skin and cause premature aging, and cancers such as melanoma. The deepest layer of the epidermis, which is the stratum basala, contains cells called melanocytes, which produce the skin's pigment or color. When these cells change and grow out of control, it forms a cancerous tumor. UV rays damage the DNA in skin cells and sometimes this damage affects certain genes that control the cells growth and division. If these genes do not work any longer, they may become cancer cells. (OpenStax, 2018). So, protect your skin from the sun. Wear hats and other protective clothing, use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and restrict your time in the sun during the late morning and early afternoon hours, when sunlight is strongest. Although UV rays are the primary cause of skin cancer, other substances such as radiation and arsenic can also cause cancer and we must be cautious. (News in Health, 2015). Treat your skin gently: "Gentle products like a mild facial cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and sunscreen are really all you need product-wise for basic skin care," says Denise Gallo, APRN, Skincare Physicians. · Have limited bath time, Hot water and long showers remove the oils from your skin. and use warm rather than hot water. · Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers. · Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin. Daily cleansing and shaving can be a little heavy for the skin. · Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin. · Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF. (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Eat a healthy diet: Diet is also a good way to improve the health of the skin. Proteins, Vitamins and antioxidants nourish the skin. If the cells lose lipids, the skin can become dry so consuming healthy fats can help with dryness. (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Eat plenty