During one of our events someone asked, “Why is it important to moisturize skin with cream? Can’t I just take a bath or drink some water and be moisturized?” The honesty was so pure it left us a bit stunned. The answer to the question seemed simple but after some thought was it really that simple? In a weird kind of way, the feeling was similar when asked, “is cereal (w/milk) soup?”
In answering the question (why moisturizing skin was important) the first thing we had to consider was … What exactly is the purpose of skin? “Is the skin important enough to warrant moisturizing? If so, why?”
It is hard to imagine anyone without skin, but truthfully does one really think about the importance of skin? Probably not as often as we should. Skin is important for a number of reasons including the following:
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Protective Barrier: First and foremost, skin acts as a barrier, not only keeping our insides intact, but skin protects the body from external threats (e.g. pathogens, UV radiation, chemicals, and physical injuries (see sensation below)). In addition, Skin keeps out harmful substances (such as bacteria, other liquids) while keeping important substances in (e.g. preventing excessive water loss leading to dehydration). When taking a shower, it is all about the skin! It is our first physical barrier to outside harm.
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Immune Defense: In addition to a protective barrier mentioned above, the skin plays an active role in the immune system by organizing certain cells that detect and defend the body from potential threats such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
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Sensation: Skin contains nerve endings that allow us to sense touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. This sensory feedback is vital for interaction with the environment and as well as avoiding injury. Imagine touching a hot pan, the skin feels the heat before further damage is done. Holding hands with gloves is vastly different from holding hands without gloves.
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Regulation of Body Temperature: Our skin helps regulate body temperature through sweating when hot and the dilation or constriction of blood vessels when cold. This is essential for maintaining a stable internal environment. When we think about the surface area of the skin (See below) this ability to regulate body temperature is more incredible than most imagine.
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Vitamin D Production: When exposed to sunlight, the skin synthesizes vitamin D, which is essential for immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.
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Aesthetic: Although it seems obvious the health of skin has an aesthetic that communicates to others. People will judge others by the health of their skin. The appearance of one’s skin can reflect health, emotions, and age. When the skin looks healthier people tend to think the person is younger.
One thing we should also acknowledge is that skin is the largest organ on our body. For an average adult, the skin weighs about 8 to 11 pounds (3.6 to 5 kg) and spans around 22 square feet (2 square meters), depending on the person's size. The large size compels skin to play a vital role in maintaining overall health and optimal body functionality. We often receive questions about the use of products on the face. For clarity, the face is only 1.5 to 2 square feet and actually less than 1 pound in part due to the thinness of the skin on the face.
Most people concentrate on facial skin, because that is what is readily visible, but what about skin on the body or feet? From time to time, we ask when discussing applications of Octava Products if people are caring for other skin areas besides the face? The general answer is no, especially when it comes to athletes and feet.
*Along our alternative journey we learned a bit about the importance of the feet. More than just for stability and mobility, feet serve as conduits to the rest of the body. Feet are extremely important! So important that certain practices target feet as a central area for healing the body. For instance, in some cases, it is believed that putting onions on the bottom of the feet covered with socks overnight is an alternative to remove toxins. In this case the feet serve as a conduit through which toxins can be extracted (the onions pull the toxins through the feet); for some this is especially important when ill. Others talk about the importance of grounding, the connection of feet to earth to provide a sense of physical and spiritual cleansing and unity with Mother Earth. Yet others support the benefits of Thalassotherapy (benefits of walking on beaches) for seawater restoration and healing. There are many more foot based practices each with its own application(s), supporters, and detractors What is generally agreed, however, is that the feet have a number of nerve endings that are important conduits to other parts of the body. It is not universally stated that these conduits are affected by moisturizing, but with anything else, if the conduit and areas surrounding the conduit is clean and healthy the conduit is more likely to be operational. Our concern is that if the feet are not in good condition the nerve endings may not be as responsive to stimulation and therefore arguably not able to support or assist in supporting other areas of the body.
Although one should do their own research for further information practices such as reflexology and acupuncture (often practiced together) look to nerve endings of the feet to support other parts of the body as follows:
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Ankles and heel area: This region corresponds to the reproductive organs. Reflexologists believe that massaging this area may help balance hormones and improve reproductive health.
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Toes: The tips of the toes are linked to the head and brain, and stimulating these areas is thought to relieve headaches, stress, and mental tension. In acupuncture Tai Chong is found between the first and second toes on the top of the foot, this point is related to liver function and is used to promote the smooth flow of energy (Qi). It helps with emotional balance, headaches, and menstrual issues.
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Toes: especially the pads under the nails: Reflexology suggests that these areas relate to the sinuses. Pressing on these areas may help relieve sinus pressure or congestion.
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Inner edge of the feet: This corresponds to the spine. Massaging this area is believed to promote spinal health and relieve back tension.
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Outer edge of the foot - Shenmai (Bladder 62 - BL62): This point is on the outer edge of the foot, just below the ankle. It's connected to the bladder meridian and is used for calming the mind, improving sleep, and balancing Yin and Yang energy.
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Ball of the foot: Heart and lungs: Reflexologists believe that working on this area can help improve heart and respiratory health.
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Arch of the foot: The arch is connected to the stomach, liver, pancreas, and intestines. Massaging this area is believed to aid digestion and reduce bloating or discomfort.
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Heel of the foot: The heel is thought to be connected to the kidneys and bladder. Stimulating this area can be beneficial for detoxification and urinary health.
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Top of the foot: The lymph nodes and pathways in the body, which play a role in immune function, are linked to areas on the top of the feet.
Can you imagine how much you are missing if your feet are not in good condition? Don’t forget to try the Octava Coconut Lavender Oil for the foot massage. Also, Octava Sugar Scrub followed by Octava Moisturizing cream is an amazing combination to exfoliate and moisturize the feet.
It’s clear healthy skin has numerous benefits, but that still doesn’t answer why skin needs to be moisturized separately from consuming water or taking showers. As important as skin is, there are other areas in the body that have higher water priority. Some of these important functions are as follows: Hydration and Cell Function: Approximately 60% our body is water. Water helps maintain the balance of fluids inside and outside cells, which is crucial for cellular processes, including nutrient absorption and waste removal.
Without adequate water, the body cannot perform the above critical functions, necessary for body function. Since the above are more important they demand more water. Separately, water impacts the skin as follows:
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Hydration and Skin Elasticity: The skin retains some water from overall body hydration, which helps maintain its elasticity, smoothness, and barrier function. Dehydrated skin can lead to dryness, tightness, and reduced resilience.
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Transdermal Water Loss (TWL): The skin naturally loses water through evaporation, a process known as trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). Hydration from the outside helps replenish lost water lost.
If skin isn't moisturized regularly, several issues can arise:
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Over production of Oil/Acne: When the skin is dry it may compensate by overproducing oil leading to clogged pores and acne.
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Dryness and Flakiness: Without moisture, the skin's natural barrier weakens, leading to dehydration, rough texture, and visible flakiness.
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Increased Sensitivity: Dry skin is more prone to irritation and sensitivity.
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Premature Aging: hydrated skin tends to be plumper and elastic. Lack of moisture can accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
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Itchiness and Discomfort: Dehydrated skin often feels itchy and uncomfortable.
