When your wife tells you that you have “manly hands”, it may not always be a good thing. It could be that your hands and skin have become dry and scaly and well, frankly, very unpleasant to the touch. This is not only a cosmetic issue, but is actually a health concern. Skin is our largest organ and forms a formidable first-line defence against germs and infections, as well as moisture loss. Drying skin is breaking, thinning skin. This means that your defences are down. This often happens with aging, changing seasons, or changes in diet and lifestyle (e.g. doing more gardening or outdoor activities as the weather gets nicer).
How can we all maintain soft, supple skin on a daily basis? This is possible by watching what goes into the body as well as what you apply to your skin (and how often you do both). The most basic thing to do is to keep your body hydrated by drinking AT LEAST 8 glasses of water daily. Water accounts for 60% of body weight and every system depends on adequate water intake. The current recommendation is to aim at 13 cups (3L) for men and 9 cups (2.2L) for women. Coffee, tea, pop, cola do not count, and could actually cause dehydration. Adding electrolytes such as UNIPRO’s “ENDURA” ensures that your muscles and heart can function optimally without overwhelming your body with too much sugar, especially if you lead an active lifestyle. Also, smart snacking helps, such as having an orange or slices of cucumber rather than a cookie or piece of toast.
Applying a good skin lotion or moisturizing cream and doing so as often as possible is another key to maintaining supple skin. Since it will be applied in abundance to your skin, it is crucial to find a line rich in natural active ingredients yet minimal harmful chemicals. There is a great line of creams and soaps from a BC company called SBT SEABUCKTHORN based out of Peachland. Their products are rich in nutrients from the seabuckthorn berry, which contain high levels of fatty acids and antioxidants. These natural ingredients help maintain healthy skin turnover, detoxify skin, as well as keep skin moisturized. Showering, bathing, and handwashing are all dehydrating activities, so using a good soap and moisturizing regiment are a must. The “BERRY BAR” is especially good for this purpose, but SBT also has specific products to effectively address, e.g., rosacea and acne. “UDDER BALM” and “BAG BALM” started out as veterinarian products but are now widely used by people as a cheap method to hydrate skin, especially in problem areas such as cracking heels, elbows, and hands. It is best to apply creams to still-damp skin.
Of course, healthy skin starts from within. Having an adequate amount of omega fatty acids from a diet high in fish, nuts/seeds, and vegetable oils will provide nourishing nutrients for your skin. To ensure adequate daily amounts, you can turn to a high-grade, pure omega fatty acid combination such as the various “EPA-DHA” formulations from METAGENICS. There is a useful supplement by INNATE RESPONSE FORMULAS called “SKIN, HAIR & NAILS” which contains the necessary vitamins and minerals for, well, healthy skin, hair, and nails. Furthermore, reducing salt intake is crucial for minimizing the risk of dehydration.
Drying, thinning skin is a common health issue that is prevalent in our aging population but it is also one that is easily preventable and treatable with the appropriate care regiment. Keep an eye out for an article we will be doing in the future regarding how these and other measures can help with minimizing the development of wrinkles. In the meantime, get rid of those manly hands.
(Christine and Fred Cheng are a sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, BC. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. They would love to meet you! 604-576-2888; www.cloverdalepharmasave.com. Contact them online HERE. Of course, before you begin any activity program or try any OTC supplementation, check with your physician and pharmacist.)
