Let’s Talk Health and Nutrition with Dr. H

Importance of Skin Health: The health of the skin is extremely important as the skin is the body's first line of defense against external influences such as bacteria, mechanical and chemical stressors as well as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Good nutrition is one of the major factors in attaining and maintaining healthy skin.  Both macronutrients and micronutrients are important to skin health (Lakdawala et al, 2013).  However, there are specific micronutrients (key vitamins and minerals) that play significant roles in maintaining the structural integrity of the skin barrier as well as important biological and physiological functions. Functionality of the Skin:   The skin comprises of two major layers which are the epidermis and dermis.   The epidermis interacts directly with the external environment and may come into contact with toxic substances, pathogens and UV radiation.  Therefore, the epidermis primarily acts as a barrier.  As a barrier,...