Our bodies are like machines. There are hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions, of functions that occur in our bodies every day to help us stay alive, alert, healthy, and strong.
Like every machine that needs a source of power to operate, so do our bodies. But instead of electricity, we need minerals and nutrients to keep us going – one of them being calcium. Calcium is one of the most important nutrients that is widely known for bone-building and growth. However, it also plays an important role in regulating many of the skin’s functions.
Calcium is found in the epidermis which is the outermost layer of the skin. Almost every 60 days, the epidermis renews itself completely and calcium affects the speed by which regeneration of the skin occurs. This means that calcium is responsible for cell turnover. It impacts how fast your body generates new skin cells to replace old ones, and also how fast your body sheds off dead skin cells to be replaced with new ones.
As such, when the skin is lacking calcium the renewal process slows down and your skin may appear fragile, thin, and dry. Aging is also associated with the thinning of the epidermis because when calcium is lost, your epidermis is vulnerable to damage.
Moreover, calcium can help prevent skin cancer by strengthening the epidermis and regulating the skin’s pigment cells allowing it to tan in sunlight which provides protection from UV rays. High calcium content in the epidermis also helps maintain efficient skin barrier functions which protect against the cold winter weather that strips the skin’s moisture barrier. Speaking of moisture, this nutrient helps produce sebum in the skin which retains moisture to remedy dry skin and keep it looking glowy.
Calcium is primarily found in dairy products like yogurt, milk, and cheeses. If you’re lactose intolerant or looking for a dairy-free alternative, other calcium-rich foods include sweet potatoes, figs, oranges, and canned salmon/tuna to name a few.
Overall, calcium is a great nutrient that helps maintain and improve important bodily-functions to keep you and your skin looking vibrant at any age. The combination of healthy skin and bones will help you retain a youthful appearance on the outside, and feel healthier, stronger, and improved on the inside.
Written by: Adi Tzadok