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Basic Skin Care and Skin Health
The skin is the largest organ of the body. Being the outer covering of the body and readily visible, healthy skin has often been equated to beauty and youth. Hence, persons desiring to remain young and radiant-looking tend to put much importance to skin health and care, It must be emphasized, however, that the skin plays a number of more vital roles in maintaining the overall health of individuals. Hence, proper care should not only be to keep it more attractive, but more importantly, to ensure that the skin functions properly.
The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis – the outermost layer; the dermis – the middle layer, and the subcutaneous fat. The epidermis is the layer in contact with the environment. The barrier function of the skin mainly resides in this layer. In normal individuals, each cell is replaced by a new one every month. Also present in the epidermis are pigment cells that give color to the skin and offer protection from ultraviolet rays.
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin composed primarily of collagen and elastin, which provide strength and elasticity to the skin. The blood vessels and nerves are also found here. The third layer, the subcutaneous fat, serves as insulation and calorie reservoir.
First, the skin is valuable as a protective covering, acting as a barrier to fluids and other elements, such as germs and microbes. Internal fluids are prevented from leaving the body while external factors are also hindered from easily entering the body.
Second, the skin is important in temperature regulation. Adequate cooling is attained through sweating from the sweat glands in the skin, while conservation of heat occurs through vasoconstriction of blood vessels in the skin.
Third, the skin contributes protection from the rays of the sun. Melanin pigment plays an important role in this skin function.
Fourth, the skin is a source of sensory input to the body. Sensory nerve endings are found in the skin which transmits sensations from the outside to the brain.
Fifth, the skin serves as an organ for the metabolism of many important molecules such as synthesis of vitamin D.
With background knowledge of the basic structure and function of the skin, it would be easier to understand the principles behind skin health and skin care. So how should we take care of our skin?
Proper skin care would include both care from within and from the outside. Keeping the body healthy contributes to healthy skin. Proper hygiene and a balanced diet are, therefore, crucial. Hence, eating the proper food, drinking at least six to eight glasses of water, intake of certain vitamins and minerals are recommended. These help in proper elimination, circulation, healing, and repair of the skin. In line with this, avoidance of too much alcohol, cigarettes, and stress is also essential. Furthermore, exercise enhances blood circulation to the skin.
Care of the skin from the outside includes proper cleansing and protection of the skin from harmful elements. Daily bathing is of utmost importance to remove dirt, grease and grime. Soap and water usually suffice in adequately cleaning the body. Each person should find the type of soap that suits his or her skin to avoid over-cleaning, drying and irritation of the skin.
Different types of soaps and products are available for individual needs. Newer products for hand sanitizing are available and may be used in the absence of soap and water. But if skin diseases, allergies, or irritation develops from soap or no-soap cleaners, a dermatologist can help in choosing the proper product and additional care necessary.
Different skins have different features and need individualized care. Skin differs in type, color, sensitivity, to external factors, and presence of disease. Skin types may be dry, oily, normal or a combination of these.
For normal skin, regular soap and water is usually sufficient to clean the skin. But for certain types, a special type of soap or additional care may be necessary. For dry skin, oilated soaps may be used and moisturizers applied to prevent further depletion of water from the surface.
You may choose a moisturizer that best fits your skin according to your skin type. If you have very oily skin, heavy moisturizers will only make it look and feel more oily and shiny. Oily skin may require the use of astringents or toners to remove excess grease. But usually, adequate washing may suffice. Also, keep in mind that dryness may be influenced by weather, sunlight, wind and substances applied. So, adjust your daily regimens accordingly.
Many Filipinos nowadays covet whiter, smoother, “flawless” skin. Pigmentations, blotchy skin, or darker complexions are self-treated with various bleaching or peeling agents. Be careful with these because if not used or performed properly, more damage than gain may develop such as allergies, irritation, burns, infection, or even more serious side effects.
Care for the skin with disorders may be more troublesome. Patients with acne (pimples), eczemas, allergies, infections, body odor and many others should consult a dermatologist for proper prevention, treatment and care of these conditions. Self-treatment of these may not only be ineffective, but sometimes harmful.
The benefits of the sun are innumerable. However, it may also do a lot of damage, especially to the skin. The natural defenses of the skin to the harmful effects of the sun include the melanin or pigment cells. The darker complexions of Asians contain more pigment cells that assist in preventing damage. Despite this, accumulated sun exposure over the years and with aging may destroy the collagen or elastic fibers of the skin, decreasing its strength and resiliency.
It may make the skin wrinkled, dehydrated, thickened and darker in color. These are only the age-related changes. The question of possible sun-related diseases, photosensitivity and cancerous lesions developing should never be overlooked. Everyone ought to be aware of signs to look for in possible pre-cancerous lesions.
Due to the many harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays of the sun, skin care should include avoidance of too much exposure especially between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun can penetrate through windows. It can reflect in water, and on sand or snow. Use of protective clothing, umbrellas and hats may only be partial.
When going out in the sun, the use of sunscreens cannot be overemphasized. The best type protects not only from UVB which causes sunburn, but also blocks UVA which causes cancer and many other diseases. People with prolonged sun exposure, as dictated by their occupation or recreational preferences, need more frequent applications of sunscreens.
Various disorders and diseases may develop on the skin for which a dermatologist should be consulted. The skin is oftentimes a reflective mirror of what’s going on in the body. Skin signs and symptoms may assist in the diagnosis of internal disorders, so do not just ignore abnormalities found on the skin. Self examination should be emphasized to check for rapidly changing, irritated, bizarre-looking moles, lumps, warts and other pigmented lesions. Once detected or when in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult an expert in skin diseases.
The skin is a dynamic organ that reacts to various stimuli from the outside and from the body itself. It is not only just for beauty but has very important functions. Proper skin care and hygiene is necessary for it to function well. We should take care of the skin and it will take care of us.
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