Did you know that your skin is your biggest living organ? Now you do, and it's not an organ you should ignore. With melanoma (skin cancer) being the 5th most common cancer in the UK, you should look after your skin health.
Having a good skin health and beauty regime can reduce major chronic diseases and help hydrate, cleanse and protect the skin barrier. It can also reduce wrinkles and dullness and help you look more youthful. Uncover the best natural skin health solutions with us today.
A brief insight to skin and its functions
The skin is primarily made up of water, protein, fats and minerals. Your skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis; all have different functions and roles. Here's a quick insight into them:
Epidermis
The epidermis is the layer of your skin you can see and touch. This layer acts as a protective barrier against germs and infections entering your body. It also plays a role in making new skin cells, replacing old ones your body shares. Inside the epidermis is a pigment known as melanin, which contributes to the colour of your skin. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin.
Dermis
Around 90% of your skin's thickness comes from the dermal (middle) layer. Inside the dermis are two proteins: collagen and elastin. Collagen helps keep your skin cells strong and resilient, while elastin helps keep your skin flexible and maintain its shape. The dermis also has nerve receptors that help you identify and experience pain. It also has sweat and oil glands.
Hypodermis
The bottom layer of your skin is known as the hypodermis, which cushions your bones and muscles. The fat in hypodermis protects your bones when you get injured and helps regulate your body temperature when you get too hot or cold.
5 Natural skin health solutions
When it comes to skin health, there's a range of products and solutions out there. There's so much that the current global skincare market amounts to $198.35 billion in 2025. But you don't need to spend a lot of money on products; there are a lot of natural skin health solutions to try. Here are 5 to get you started:
Stay hydrated
First things first, you should make water your best friend. Drinking enough water can help keep your skin looking plump and fresh. It also supports the texture of your skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help support a stronger skin barrier, preventing pollutants from causing oxidative stress and retaining moisture.
Moisturise properly
Research shows that moisturising your skin can increase its water content and support the health of the skin's barrier. Some of the best natural oils to use to moisturise your skin are aloe vera, honey, avocado, oatmeal, shea butter, and olive oil. When moisturising, try to use gentle cleansers, ones that don't have harsh chemicals and don't strip natural oils.
Regularly exfoliate
Try to exfoliate 2-3 times a week to help remove the build-up of dead skin cells. Too many dead skin cells can make your skin look lifeless and dull. Removing dead skin cells can help you have smoother and brighter skin. Some of the best natural exfoliators to use are oatmeal, walnuts, honey, almonds, coffee, and more.
Avoid too much sun exposure
Did you know that most skin cancers are caused by sun exposure? One of the best ways to reduce this is by limiting your sun exposure and wearing sunscreen. Often, wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or above can reduce your risk of skin cancer. Keeping your skin protected can also stop your skin from photoaging.
Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet with foods high in antioxidants can help protect your skin from damage. Berries, leafy greens, and tomatoes are high in vitamins C, E, and beta carotene, helping protect your skin from free radicals, pollution, and UV exposure. Plus, eating water-rich foods such as tomatoes and cucumbers can help keep your skin hydrated.
Factors that negatively impact skin health
In addition to positive behaviours, you should be aware of some negative ones that may directly impact your skin health. Here are a few negative factors to limit:
- Smoking
- Drink alcohol in moderation
-
Not getting 7-9 hours of sleep
- Being exposed to pollution
- Having an unhealthy diet
Conclusion
Overall, skin health is one aspect you should not overlook. Your skin is your body's biggest organ and the most visible one, too. It plays numerous roles in your health and appearance and needs to be optimised.
To ensure it stays intact and eat a balanced, regularly moisturise, exfoliate, hydrate and be conscious of your sun exposure. In addition to this, stay away from smoking, alcohol, pollutants, and unhealthy food.
One way to stay on top of skin health is to reduce inflammation. Check out our article: Learn everything you need to know about inflammation and how to reduce it.