Did you know? Your skin is the largest organ of your body. Yet it is probably one of the last organs we think about when we talk about our health.

During Healthy Skin Month, our team at AFC Urgent Care of Athens wants you to know how to take better care of your skin!

Why Is Your Skin Important?

You might not think about it, but your skin is actually the first line of defense when it comes to something trying to hurt your body from the outside world, such as bacteria, viruses, pollution and chemical substances.

Our skin also helps to regulate our body temperature, maintain fluid balance and control moisture loss.

Things That Harm the Skin

• Unhealthy diet
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Not enough exercise
• Dehydration
• Smoking
• Certain medications

How Does What We Eat Affect Our Skin?

In order to keep your skin looking and performing at its best, it is important that we feed our skin the nutrients it needs. Certain foods are better than others.

For instance, when trying to feed your skin the right foods, consider tomatoes, mangoes, green tea, olive oil, white tea, kale and fatty fish! These foods are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, that keep skin supple and healthy.

Other Ways to Protect Skin

• Avoid tanning beds.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Moisturize your skin.
• Wear sunscreen on all exposed skin when going outdoors, year-round.
• Manage stress.

Is it a rash or a bug bite? Visit AFC Urgent Care Athens today for a medical evaluation. We are here to help!