Nails
Finger- and toenails are plates of keratinized epithelial cells on the upper surface of each finger or toe. Each nail grows out of a nail root and rests on a section of tissue called a nail bed. The nail root grows out from a nail matrix that contains cells that divide. As the nail grows, it slides over the nail bed. Only primates have nails. Other terrestrial mammals have claws.
Here are a few tips for maintaining a healthy skin:
Eat a varied balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables - at least 5 portions per day;
Make sure you get enough vitamin C, found mainly in fruit and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits, berries and tomatoes. Vitamin C helps keep skin firm (it helps maintain collagen), and helps protect the skin from environmental damage and the disease scurvy;
Vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and healing of skin and acts as an antioxidant to neutralise harmful elements in the skin and resist infection. Carrots, broccoli, eggs, milk and a variety of other foods contain beta carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A in the body. Too much carotene should be avoided, however, as it can actually turn your skin yellow;
B vitamins help to maintain normal skin function and are essential to keep your skin's oil production normal. Good sources of vitamin B are fish, whole grains, peanuts, and eggs;
Vitamin E, found in food like salmon, legumes, lean meat, leafy vegetables, nuts and olive oil, helps slow down skin aging by reducing the production of an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Sun exposure depletes your skin of vitamin E, leaving it vulnerable to damage;
Another anti-wrinkling agent is zinc. This trace element, found in seafood, soy, turkey and mushrooms, helps to maintain elastin and collagen;
Get a good night's sleep so that your skin can repair itself and be healthy;
Don't smoke. Smoking cuts the blood and oxygen supply to the skin, leaving it sallow, wrinkly and dry;
Avoid exposure to strong sun and always use a UV protective cream. Just one day in the sun without proper protection can cause irreversible damage to skin cells and probably to DNA which can lead to skin cancer;
Contrary to popular opinion acne is probably not caused by eating chocolate, fatty foods or sugary drinks, but it is still best to moderate the consumption of these foods as part of an overall healthy diet;
Drink plenty of water. Water serves as a thermo regulator and evaporation of water from the skin cools the body;
Take plenty of exercise
A new relationship between nutrition and skin
Many changes take place in our skin as we age. Pollution, dehydration, sun, and just general wear and tear, all take their toll.
Research by cosmetic firm L'Oreal in association with Nestlé has led to the development of a new food supplement, Inneov Firmness, (currently only available in France) for women over 40 who are concerned with loss of skin firmness.
Researchers showed through clinical studies that lycopene (a natural component from tomatoes which acts as an antioxidant fighting free radicals that cause skin damage), vitamin C, and natural soy isoflavones (plant hormones believed to have beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms) can help to improve skin firmness, not as a cream applied on the skin but when taken in pill form as a supplement.
The key is in the mixture of lycopene and milk-specific proteins which enhance the bioavailability of the lycopene helping it pass through the intestinal wall. Once it reaches the skin it stimulates multiplication of the keratinocytes in the epidermis and regulates their differentiation.
The clinical efficiency of Inneov Firmness has been established through a double blind study carried out vs a placebo on 90 menopausal women not taking hormonal replacement treatments. After 6 months the researchers found a significant improvement in skin firmness and smoothness. The results were presented during the European Dermatology Congress held in Prague in October 2002.
So now you know!
Peace, Out,
Moggy x
