Understanding Skin Integrity

Skin integrity refers to the overall health and condition of the skin, influenced by a variety of factors beyond just outward appearance.

When skin integrity is compromised, it is important to assess not only any visible damage but also the potential for future harm that may result from inadequate care or lifestyle choices that leave the skin vulnerable.

For instance, individuals who do not consume enough water, neglect sun protection, or skip applying moisturizers are more susceptible to dryness, accelerated aging, and slower healing, even from minor injuries. In contrast, those who maintain proper hydration, use moisturizers or emollients, and shield their skin from harsh elements are more likely to enjoy healthier skin and recover more effectively if damage occurs.

As the body ages, natural changes in organs, metabolism, and physical activity gradually occur. While certain factors such as genetics, age, or gender cannot be altered, it is still possible to support and stabilize skin integrity by encouraging cell renewal and repair.

Incorporating small, consistent habits into daily routines—such as staying hydrated and caring for the skin—can make a significant difference in maintaining healthy, resilient skin.

EG: 

• For every cup of coffee you drink, drink 1 glass of water
• Swap your body wash to one that has PH balancing properties
• Use perfume that does not contain harsh alcohol 
• Add products with cleansing properties to your bath 
• Use make up that contains SPF
• Use a toner that hydrates the skin
• Avoid products that contain heavy amounts of preservatives and gobbledygook ingredients.
• Go as closest to natural as you possibly can so you can avoid your immune system going into a whirlwind to comprehend the ingredients. 
• Be sure to do your own research (or read our blogs) to understand what is best to use for your age group and or underlying health conditions so that you don't upset or anger an autoimmune response. 

Small adjustments can make a significant difference in skin health, and these changes do not need to be drastic or costly. Often, improvements can be incorporated seamlessly into a busy lifestyle, with noticeable benefits to the skin over time.

Starting healthy skin practices early is always beneficial, as addressing chronic skin conditions later can require more time and effort to heal and manage compared to preventive care.

GioventX offers natural, clean, and wholesome products designed to protect the skin and maintain its optimal integrity, helping to delay common signs of aging such as dryness, dullness, and reduced skin vitality.

Aging is a natural privilege, and while the skin will change over time, it does not have to become fragile, prone to irritation, or lose its collagen, elasticity, or suppleness ahead of time.

If sudden or unusual changes in the skin are observed, it is important to consult a doctor and seek advice from a dermatologist. In Australia, currently, consultation fees may start from $100, but this is a valuable investment in receiving personalized recommendations for skin care needs.

Check for:

• Lumps and bumps to skin surface
  
  
• Moles that change colour (the best way is to take pictures an store them for comparison)
  
  
• Discoloration to any part of the body you have not noticed before
  
  
• Change in turgor (elasticity) pinch your skin gently and see if it bounces back. Anything more than 2 seconds for the skin to completely flatten back down could mean late stages dehydration
  
  
• Fluid retention or overload (when fluid is trapped in the deep tissue). Push down with your index finger to feet, ankles and calf muscles. If your finger print remains for more than 1-2 seconds than this is an indication that you may have what health professionals call oedema. If the finger print remains for 3 seconds + it would be referred to as pitting oedema in by which the indentation is supported by fluid trapped in the skin tissues deeper than dermal layer. 
  
  
• Capillary refill (assesses circulation to the area) push down on your finger nail or any part of your body and count how many seconds it takes for the skin to go back to its normal colour since you applied the pressure. Anything over 3 seconds could indicate dehydration.
  
  
• Rashes and dry patches. This could be an indication of overall health issues within the body and not always part of the skin, we know that skin tells us a story so see your GP. 
  
  
• Acne and breakouts. Now acne is not the same as regular pimples and breakouts, Acne is diagnosed when there are several 'pimples' in the same area and simple washing usually doesn't help. If you notice ongoing collections of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and clogged pores, it is not just time to see your GP but perhaps also a dietician. Yes, the answer could be found in your diet!!!
  
  
• Flushed or red skin. This may be an indication of something brewing below the surface such as a cyst or infected hair follicle. Best to get that checked. 
  
  
• Growths, warts and skin tags. To the naked eye they look normal and regular but to health professionals they can mean skin integrity is at risk. Unusually harmless and of no concerns ongoing, unless you have those checked, you wouldn't know! 
  
  
• Thinned and see through skin. When skin is see through and slightly shiny it means that the surface layer is experiencing less rejuvenation and faster depletion of skin cells for one reason or another. High risk of pressure injuries, skin tears, friction burn, reduced circulation to the area and the formation of ulcers. 

Check your skin- prevention in any form is always better than finding a cure!!!