People often claim that beauty is mere “skin deep” and that what is “within” truly matters. Although our insides are significant, our skin serves as our first line of defense against the outer world. Skin can also provide crucial hints about your general health. Learn how to take good care of your skin so that you may continue to get good care from it.
Your skin provides several defenses for your body. According to NIH dermatologist Dr. Heidi Kong, “the skin serves as a barrier to protect the body from invasion by germs and other potential environmental threats that might be detrimental to human health.”
Skin also serves a variety of purposes. It possesses nerve endings that let you quickly flee from hot or sharp items by detecting their presence. Your skin has sweat glands and small blood arteries that assist regulate body temperature. Additionally, skin cells convert sunlight into vitamin D, which is necessary for strong bones.
Your skin may also warn you of a health issue. A red, itchy rash may indicate infections or allergies, and lupus may be indicated by a red “butterfly” rash on your face. A yellow tinge may indicate liver illness. Additionally, moles that are black or odd may be a symptom of skin cancer. Watch out for sudden changes in your skin, and if you have any questions.
Your skin may get very dry if you don’t drink enough water or spend too much time outside in the hot, dry weather. Even though washing your hands frequently might cause dry skin, Kong cautions against doing so, primarily if you use hot water and abrasive soaps. Use moisturizing creams or lotions to relieve dry skin, wash your hands and take a bath in warm rather than hot water. To lessen the dryness of the air in your house, you may also consider utilizing a humidifier.
Your skin might be harmed by the sun as well. UV rays from the sun cause sunburn and hasten your skin’s aging process, resulting in additional wrinkles. According to Kong, there is a direct connection between UV exposure and skin cancer. So, shield the sun from your skin. Wear caps and other sun protection gear, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and limit your time spent in the sun in the late morning and afternoon whenever the sun is at its highest.
The microbiome of the skin—the bacteria and other minute organisms that dwell on your skin—is a topic of study for many skin experts like Kong. Some of these microorganisms have potential benefits. Evidence supports their claim that they strengthen your immune system and promote good health. However, Kong notes that some skin conditions have known links to specific microorganisms. We’re attempting to comprehend how those bacteria vary between individuals with healthy skin and those with skin illnesses. In the long term, researchers want to develop strategies to increase beneficial skin microorganisms while decreasing dangerous ones.