As the flu season is upon us and the threat of the Coronavirus continues, there are many practices to protect ourselves against these viruses. In addition to drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, exercising, sleeping well and washing hands frequently, it is important to take care of our skin.
Pathogens are germs that can make you sick. They include bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and fungi. The first line of defense against these pathogens that cause infection is the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and acts as a barrier between these foreign invaders and your body. Keeping the skin healthy and intact is the way to prevent pathogens from entering the body. When skin becomes dry and cracked or broken, these microorganisms can enter the body. Once they enter the body the second line of defense, the immune system, works to protect the body.
How Do We Keep Skin Healthy To Defend Against Pathogens?
In addition to cuts and abrasions from injuries, tiny cracks can occur when the skin is too dry. It is important to keep the outer layer of the skin healthy so it can do its job of protecting the body. Moisturizing the skin begins on the inside with staying well hydrated. Drinking 64 ounces of water per day is a guideline to be followed every day to ensure healthy skin. Protecting against dry skin with proper moisturizing can help defend against foreign invaders along with washing the skin regularly with a gentle cleanser.
Additional Tips For Protecting Skin From Viruses and Bacteria
- Take warm not hot showers and limit the time to 5-10 minutes
- Invest in a humidifier
- Do not share any personal hygiene items
- Don’t pick at skin
- Pat skin dry, do not rub skin
- Avoid touching your face with your fingers
- Avoid facial contact with objects used by others such as, a phone receiver
- Ensure eating foods high in B vitamins, Omega – 3 oils and vitamin C
- Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine
- Moisturize hands after washing or using hand sanitizer
- Wear waterproof gloves when hands are in water for a period of time or when using chemicals to clean the house
As we strive to protect ourselves from harmful viruses and bacteria we focus on things such as covering a sneeze or cough, washing hands regularly, staying home when sick and so on; however, we rarely consider taking care of our skin to avoid our first line of defense breaking down and allowing these foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria to enter the body. Consider that washing hands is imperative to remaining healthy and taking care of those washed hands with moisturizer to prevent cracking is equally important. The more we understand the function of skin, the body’s largest organ, the more we understand that we need to protect it, so it can protect our body. Click here for a full line of organic skincare products to protect skin and keep it healthy, so it can keep you healthy!