Why It’s Vital to Nourish Your Skin + 4 Super-Hydrating Tips

Despite the fact that skin is the largest organ of the body, it is often neglected. Skin health is considered minimally important in comparison to that of our heart or GI tract, but our skin is much more vital to our wellbeing than many people realize. Our skin serves as the interface between our inner and outer worlds. The skin is rich in nerve fibers and hair follicles that are highly sensitive to touch, pain, pressure, and temperature. It has always fascinated me that the only sense that doesn’t decline with age is touch.

The three layers that make up the skin work together to protect us from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, synthesize vitamin D, and prevent bacteria from entering the body. But in order for the skin to effectively do its job, it must be kept moist and nourished. Hydrated skin not only looks more full and plump, it is also more flexible and less prone to injury. Skin that is not well taken care of not only results in irritated, dry, and/or rough skin that ages more quickly, but it can even result in serious infections. To keep your skin looking and feeling its best, make sure you avoid skin-care products containing alcohol, avoid prolonged contact with chlorinated water, and always moisturize immediately after bathing or showering and several times throughout the day.

Some of my favorite nourish-your-skin substance remedies:

Jojoba: A gift from the desert for both skin and hair. Jojoba oil is similar to the oils found in your own skin, making it rapidly absorbed and providing deep hydration. Try putting a few drops on your lips or add some to your favorite moisturizer. It even works for sensitive skin.

Clay: There are many varieties of clay that offer their own unique benefits for the skin, however, clays all have one thing in common: the ability to pull impurities from the skin. Clay firms and tightens, giving skin a youthful appearance. If using a clay mask, remove it before it gets completely dry to prevent loss of moisture.

Aloe Vera: The gooey inner parts of the aloe have been used for millennia to heal and nourish the skin. Aloe eases irritation, hydrates and softens the skin, and is rich in antioxidants. Put some aloe vera gel in an ice cube tray to ease sunburn or a nasty bug bite.

Avocado Oil: Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, lecithin, and sterolin, (a compound that softens skin), avocado oil ranks way up near the top of my list for oils that moisturize, hydrate, and heal the skin. Apply it to the skin after bathing or showering or use directly on age spots to reduce their appearance.

Feeling the need for nourishment? Detox your body with our Purification Ritual at our Well & Being location at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Or try the ultra-moisturizing Bound Body Wrap available at both the Well & Being Spa at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas and Well & Being location in Scottsdale.