The condition and appearance of the skin is the key to our health and well-being. When the skin is healthy, it functions intensively to protect our body from bacteria and viruses, regulates temperature and appearance, feels smooth, not irritated, well hydrated and has a beautiful color.

There are many factors - both internal and external - that affect the health of the skin and how it looks and feels. Some of them we cannot change, but most of them we can. Taking good care of your skin helps keep it healthy and looking younger for longer.

Internal (endogenous) factors

Internal factors that affect the skin include genetics, hormones, and special conditions such as diabetes.

Genetics. Your genetic makeup determines your skin type. The genetic characteristics of a person determine the type of skin (normal, dry, oily or combination) and affect its overall skin condition, as well as cause biological aging of the skin.

Genetic and biological skin aging

Genetic features also determine the biological aging of the skin, which is characterized by:

• Deterioration of the process of cell regeneration and their renewal.
• Reducing secretions from the sebaceous and sweat glands.
• Degenerative processes of connective tissue, as a result of which the skin becomes less able to bind water molecules and loses its elasticity.
• Regeneration of elastic fibers, which leads to a decrease in skin elasticity.

Biological skin aging should not be confused with premature skin aging, which is caused by external factors and can be influenced.

Predisposition to skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and ichthyosis is also genetically determined. For example, in those born with a genetic deficiency in filaggrin (a protein found in the skin), the skin has a weak barrier function and is prone to hypersensitivity and atopic dermatitis. With such a tendency, the skin is easier to stress and external influences. Therefore, it is extremely important to adhere to proper daily skin care. Read more in the articles dry skin and atopic dermatitis.

There are diseases, such as diabetes and kidney failure, that can affect the condition of the skin.

Many external factors can affect the skin and lead to skin diseases.

Hormones.

Hormonal changes can affect the skin and cause acne.

Hormones and changes in their levels can have a significant effect on the skin:

• Hormonal changes can cause acne during puberty.
• During pregnancy, hormones can contribute to increased melanin production and a form of hyperpigmentation known as melasma.
• Women's estrogen levels decrease with biological aging and especially after menopause. Estrogen favorably affects the moisture balance in the skin, so its decrease leads to structural changes and age-related atrophy of the skin.

External (exogenous) factors

There are many external factors that affect skin health. These factors are determined by the environment, general health, and the way we live.

Ultraviolet radiation
Free radicals are aggressive molecules that are responsible for the oxidative process that causes damage to cells in body tissues. Healthy skin contains antioxidants that protect it by neutralizing free radicals.

In the epidermis, free radicals are formed mainly due to the negative effects of UV rays. Under normal conditions and under conditions of limited exposure to UV rays, the skin's defense mechanisms are mostly able to cope with the problem. If the sun exposure is prolonged, the defense mechanisms are weakened. The skin becomes sensitive and prone to disease. Exposure to the sun without protection for many years leads to chronic photoinductive damage to the skin, and ultimately to premature skin aging.

Temperature
Extreme temperatures and their rapid change affect the health of the skin.

In cold conditions, the skin reacts by constricting blood vessels to protect the body from losing excess heat. Sustained low temperatures reduce the performance of the sebaceous glands and cause skin irritation and dryness. Read more in the article dry skin.

Cold weather can cause dry skin.

Use warm, not hot water. Hot water can irritate the skin.

In hot and humid environments (such as in tropical countries or in a sauna), sweat glands produce more sweat, keeping the skin moist and shiny, and in some cases lead to acne.

Some skin conditions, such as rosacea, can be caused by high temperatures. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended to use warm rather than hot water for facial cleansing, hand washing and bathing.

Chemical effects on the skin

Aggressive Products
The skin has a slightly acidic natural reaction with a pH of 5. Aggressive cleansers (such as sodium lauryl sulfate and alkaline pH moisturizers) destroy the natural neutralizing properties of the skin, damage the cell structure and reduce the barrier function of the outer layer of the epidermis. As a result, the skin can dry out and become vulnerable to infections and exacerbations of diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

Some types of chemical peels can have a similar effect, so it's important to consult a dermatologist to make sure a particular treatment is right for your skin.

Some people are especially sensitive to aggressive foods:

• Young children and the elderly: Young and old skin is less resistant because the activity of the sebaceous glands is either not yet fully developed or is in decline. Read more in the article skin at different ages.
• Those exposed to chemicals in the workplace: Professionals such as hairdressers, masons and industrial workers are in constant contact with detergents, solvents, varnishes and paints, all of which are harmful to the skin.

.

Harsh chemicals and skin peels can damage the pH balance of the skin. Those who work with chemicals must provide special skin care.

Washing too often
Showering or bathing too often, for too long, and with too hot water results in the loss of the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) and surface lipids. The skin dries out and becomes rough. Learn more about body skin care and daily facial skin care.

Some medications and medical procedures are known to cause dry skin as a side effect. It is also important to drink plenty of water, especially for older people.

Nutrition
A balanced diet will help keep your skin healthy. There isn't much information out there about which foods are best for keeping skin healthy, but still:

• Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (fish instead of meat) are great for skin.
• A diet rich in vitamin C and low in fat and carbohydrates can help skin look younger.
• Antioxidant-rich foods also have protective properties. These include: yellow and orange fruits and vegetables (eg carrots and apricots), blueberries, green leafy vegetables (eg spinach), tomatoes, peas, beans and lentils, fish (especially salmon), nuts.
• Diets that exclude certain food groups and their nutritional value are not good for skin health. It is also advisable to limit the consumption of sweets and dairy products. Drinking plenty of water is important, especially for the elderly.

There is no clear relationship between nutrition and the causes of acne.

Therapeutic measures
Certain medications (such as chemotherapy, diuretics, laxatives, and lipid-lowering drugs sometimes taken to treat heart disease) and medical procedures (such as radiation therapy and dialysis) can make skin more sensitive and prone to dryness.

Lifestyle for skin health

A healthy lifestyle can help slow down the natural aging process and prevent skin problems:

Avoid stress

Uncontrolled stress can make the skin more sensitive and cause skin problems, including acne. It is necessary to get rid of stress: reduce stress, find time for leisure, and relaxation can help stress.

Exercise
Regular exercise has a positive effect on skin health, as well as on the condition of the body as a whole.

sleep enough
Healthy sleep gives the body a chance to recover and thus promotes skin renewal.

Quit smoking
Tobacco smoke is the main source of free radical formation in the skin. Smoking causes the skin to look older and premature wrinkles appear due to:

• Narrowing of tiny blood vessels in the inner layers of the skin. This reduces blood flow and deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients such as vitamin A.
• Negative effect on collagen and elastin: fibers that provide firmness and elasticity to the skin.

We bask in the sun and do not even think about the fact that processes are currently taking place in our skin aimed at protecting it from ultraviolet radiation. The skin constantly stands guard over our interests, and no matter what it faces, since it has a decent enough arsenal of tools to successfully cope with many dangers. It is about the ways of counteracting various stimuli, i.e. about the protective mechanisms of the skin, and will be discussed in this article.

The protective function of the skin is leading and has many mechanisms, since it must protect us from influences of various nature: mechanical, physical and chemical.

Protective mechanisms of the skin in the table

Protection against physical impact: cold, heat, ultraviolet radiation.

Temperature regulation

In order to ensure thermoregulation, the skin uses a complex mechanism. Cold and heat receptors in the skin tell the brain about changes in temperature. The brain, in turn, mobilizes its own regulatory mechanisms in the skin. When exposed to high temperatures, both from the inside and outside, the skin reacts by dilating blood vessels and intense sweating, thereby achieving a cooling effect. When exposed to low temperatures, the blood vessels, on the contrary, constrict so that less heat is lost. Trembling and tapping teeth help to improve blood flow and heat inflow into muscle tissue.

UV Protection

0.4 percent of UVB rays reach the basal layer of the epidermis, which is at the border with the dermis. This process can cause sunburn, damage to genetic material and the development of skin cancer. With the assistance of free radicals, rays of this type will gradually program the skin for premature aging.

Type A ultraviolet rays penetrate even deeper, reach the connective tissue of the dermis and provoke the development of various disorders. Infrared radiation is able to penetrate into the hypodermis - the last layer of the skin. Until now, nothing is known about its negative effect on the skin, since studies have not yet been completed. In addition, infrared radiation is actively used in the treatment of certain diseases, for example, with muscle pain, heart problems and rheumatism.

The skin is protected from exposure to harmful radiation in various ways:

Pigmentation

Special cells are responsible for skin pigmentation or tanning melanocytes, which are formed in the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells produce the pigment melanin, which, lining the cells of the upper layer of the epidermis, protects them from exposure to sunlight, since it has the ability to scatter and absorb sunlight. In addition, melanin is an excellent helper in the fight against free radicals, as it is able to catch them.

The formation of thickening in the stratum corneum

Under conditions of exposure to ultraviolet rays of type B, the process of cell division in the basal layer of the epidermis is accelerated, so a large number of cells reach the skin surface, which contributes to the thickening of the stratum corneum and the formation of a kind of "shield against sunlight". In addition, the stratum corneum of the epidermis contains a large amount of keratin, which is able to absorb ultraviolet rays of type B. When the radiation intensity subsides, the stratum corneum of the skin returns to its normal pattern of operation, becoming thinner and more sensitive again.

However, despite the existence of some mechanisms to counteract ultraviolet radiation, its excess can provoke the development of irreversible processes, namely skin cancer.

Protection against mechanical impact: pressure, shock, friction.

Depreciation

The second layer of the skin, namely the dermis, is made up of collagen and elastin fibers, which give the skin strength and help it stretch. Thus, any short-term force impact, for example, a blow, will meet the resistance of these fibers, which have the ability to stretch and return to their original position. The mechanism will act like a spring, which will first compress and then straighten out. In this case, the collagen fibers will stretch along the tension axis, and the elastin fibers will return the skin to its original position.

Thickening of the stratum corneum

Prolonged pressure or friction on the skin creates conditions for thickening the stratum corneum of the skin. Point pressure on the skin causes it to grow outward in the form of a cone, which, for example, occurs during the formation of a common callus.

Fat pads in the hypodermis

The body stores fat reserves in the hypodermis. They act as a cushion and help to deal with external impacts.

The formation of a water sac

When rubbed, the skin produces tissue fluid between the outer layer of skin and the layer of skin lining behind it. This forms a water sac, better known to us as a corn. Sometimes it happens that during friction the capillaries are also damaged, then the so-called blood callus is formed.

Chemical protection: chemicals, allergens, pathogens.

To protect against chemical attack, the skin uses ingenious defense systems of the body, namely the hydrolipid film and epidermal fats.

Hydrolipid film

The surface of the skin is covered with an invisible protective film. It is this emulsion of water and fat that protects the skin from the effects of bacteria and fungi. In addition, it allows the skin to remain elastic. At the same time, various components are isolated in the hydrolipidic film, which ensure that this protective mechanism is constantly updated and can continuously perform its functions. Thus, the main components of the hydrolipidic film include:

• Fats from the sebaceous glands;
• keratinized dead cells;
• Substances (protein breakdown products) resulting from the death of keratinocytes;
• Water that is formed from the circulating blood and penetrates through the dermis into the epidermis, evaporating, ultimately, from the surface of the skin (transepidermal water).

In healthy skin, everything is in balance, this also applies to the level of moisture and the amount of fat in the hydrolipidic film, while the features of the hydrolipidic film are genetically determined. In addition, the properties of this protective mechanism vary depending on the time of day, the season, the level of hormones in the body, age, hygiene habits, air humidity, nutrition and being in various states (stress, illness).

The fatty part of the hydrolipidic film is 90 percent composed of sebaceous glands, the distribution and production of which, again, depends on many factors. The skin of the face, shoulder girdle and areas of sweat grooves have a large number of sebaceous glands, while their number is limited on the limbs. In addition, the sebaceous glands work at half strength during the cold season, namely in winter, and as they grow older. At the minimum of their capabilities, they work for the elderly. In addition, there are people whose skin naturally produces a small amount of oil. It should be noted that healthy skin is able to tolerate some fluctuations in the water-fat balance of the hydrolipid film.

Levelskin pH

An important feature of the hydrolipidic film is its acidic environment, which is formed by the lactic, amino acid and free fatty acids contained in it. Thus, the aqueous part of the hydrolipidic film forms acid protective shell, which has a pH of approximately 5.5. This level of acidity keeps the skin healthy.

Some areas of our body, such as the armpits and genital area, have a slightly acidic pH level (about 6.5). It is here that the "weak point" of the acidic protective shell is located, since in conditions of low acidity these zones are exposed to various pathogens and yeast fungi.

However, the control of pathogenic microorganisms is not the only task of the acid protective film. It plays an important role in the formation of epidermal fats and the actual impenetrable skin screen. Some of the skin enzymes (ceramides) that are responsible for the formation of these lipids are only active in an acidic environment.

Impermeable skin screen

The surface of the skin is lined with the stratum corneum, which in turn consists of 20 layers layered on top of each other, and the main building material of this layer are corneocytes. This is what allows the stratum corneum to perform a protective function, which is to prevent exposure to harmful substances and regulate the consumption and release of fluid by the epidermis.

Without the stratum corneum, we would lose up to 20 percent of fluid daily. Moreover, even the smallest damage to the skin implies replenishment of fluid losses. The regulation of the moisture level of the skin and the preservation of its elasticity is possible due to the following mechanisms.

Everyone knows perfectly well that modern ecology leaves much to be desired. And some understand that it has a negative impact on health. But it also affects our skin. How exactly? And how to prevent such influence and protect yourself?

What exactly affects the skin?

To begin with, it is worth listing the negative environmental factors that have a tangible and extremely adverse effect on the skin:

• Dust. It is contained in the air and easily settles on the skin of the whole body.
• Smog. It is a mixture of burning, smoke, soot and other components that rise into the air and hover in it in the form of a kind of suspension.
• Traffic fumes. Today, there are so many cars in medium and large cities that exhaust gases simply do not have time to evaporate and soar in the air.
• Ultraviolet radiation. It may be related to environmental factors, since the sun has become very active and aggressive recently due to atmospheric pollution. Of course, everyone needs the sun, but not always and not in excessive amounts.
• Water. Water in reservoirs is polluted with emissions from industrial factories and factories, as well as by products of human life. And the water in the taps, which has gone through several stages of purification, is extremely hard.

What impact does the environment have?

How does the environment affect the condition of the skin? It is clear that it is extremely negative. Here are just a few of these influences:

• Dust and smog settle on the skin, pollute and clog pores, resulting in blackheads and pimples.
• Hard water can form an impenetrable coating on the surface of the skin, which prevents normal breathing of the skin, and also clogs the sebaceous and sweat glands. As a result, an unpleasant odor and irritation may occur. With prolonged use of hard water for washing and bathing, the production of sebum is disrupted, and the skin becomes either excessively dry (most often this is the case) or excessively oily (sebaceous glands can begin to produce even more sebum due to blockage). In addition, hard water often causes severe allergic reactions.
• Exhaust gases can penetrate the skin, destroy epidermal cells and elastin and collagen molecules, and trigger the activity of free radicals. As a result, the elasticity of the skin decreases, it becomes dull, fragile, its color changes. And free radicals trigger the aging process.
• Ultraviolet is not only harmful, but also dangerous. Firstly, an excessive amount of direct sunlight contributes to the rapid evaporation of moisture from the skin and, accordingly, its drying out. Areas of the skin that are more exposed to ultraviolet radiation become dry and rough. Secondly, the active sun can provoke the development of cancer, especially in fair-skinned people. The most dangerous and insidious of them is melanoma. Thirdly, due to increased dryness and free radical activity, the skin will age quickly, which means that wrinkles and other signs of aging will appear much earlier than they should.
• Some components of the air can cause severe allergic reactions, manifested in the form of a rash, burning, itching and severe discomfort. And if unpleasant sensations occur often, or even more so constantly, then this can significantly worsen the quality of life, disrupt and worsen the functioning of the nervous system, provoke the development of complexes, and even lead to depression or a nervous breakdown. In addition, skin diseases of an allergic nature can become more serious and complex or chronic.

How to protect your skin?

What can be done to protect the skin from the negative effects of environmental factors? A few practical tips:

1. Cleanse your skin regularly. This should be done in the morning after waking up, and also in the evening before going to bed. But simply washing is not enough. Use a tonic, its components penetrate the skin and effectively remove all impurities. It is important to purchase a quality product, as a poor quality tonic can only aggravate the condition. It is also very important to choose the right tool. Consider your skin type and specific concerns you have.
2. Exfoliate regularly to remove impurities, as well as old dead skin particles that interfere with normal breathing. Gentle home peeling should be done once a week. And about once every 1-2 months you need to arrange a deeper cleansing. It is better to entrust it to an experienced beautician.
3. For washing it is better not to use hard water. A simple boiling procedure, as well as the use of special multi-stage filters, will help reduce its rigidity. In addition, you can use natural mineral water, it will not only not pollute the skin, but also help cleanse it, as well as provide nutrition.
4. It is extremely important to lead a healthy lifestyle, this will help the body cope with the negative impact of the environment and improve the condition of all tissues and the functioning of organs and systems. First of all, you should eat right. Especially the skin needs proteins and vitamins A, E, D and group B, which are found in orange and red fruits and vegetables, in sea fish, sour-milk and dairy products, as well as in greens and green vegetables. It is also useful to play sports, as regular physical activity normalizes metabolic processes. And walk as much as possible in fresh and clean air, for example outside the city.
5. Use the right cosmetics. First, they must fit you. Secondly, they should nourish and moisturize the skin, but at the same time not leave a film on it. Thirdly, the products should protect the skin from the negative effects of both environmental and natural factors, for example, from wind, sun, cold. Use only high quality cosmetics. You can also use some folk remedies, they will also help improve the condition of the skin.
6. If possible, visit a professional beautician. He will assess the condition of the epidermis, identify existing problems and give useful recommendations on proper, safe and effective care, as well as skin protection.
7. It is extremely important to protect your skin from the sun. So do not sunbathe during hours of increased solar activity (from 12 noon to 16:00-17:00 pm) and be sure to apply sunscreen to your body.
8. Try to be less nervous, as stress also has an extremely negative effect on our skin.

Protect your skin from the influence of negative environmental factors so that it is beautiful, well-groomed and healthy!

The skin is the main defender of our body, so it suffers the most from bad ecology! “Because of exhaust gases, epidermal cells are destroyed and elasticity is lost, dust clogs pores and provokes the appearance of acne, ultraviolet accelerates photoaging,” Fiore beauty salon cosmetologist Maria Utkina states disappointing facts. “And because of dry air and chemical emissions, the protective layer is broken.” Dehydration, dull color, irritation, hypersensitivity - noticed one of these signs? So, you should do the rescue right now!

PURE TRUTH

Experts are sure that the main task of a resident of the metropolis is to thoroughly cleanse her face and not neglect lotions! “Gels, foams, milk not only wash off decorative cosmetics, but also dissolve dust, dirt, break down sebaceous secretions, remove dead cells,” explains Elena Samokhvalova, cosmetologist at the Ottimo clinic. “And tonics and lotions refresh and soothe by restoring pH.” In principle, the texture can be anything, but Clarins expert Marie-Helene Lehr advises to pay attention to oil and milk: “When you apply them with massaging movements, the product gets deep into the pores and as a result acts much more effectively.” And the cosmetologist of the Helen Baden clinic, Ekaterina Andrianova, recommends enzyme peels, gel rolls and devices for home cleansing of the face.

Facial products: 1 / Protective cream Cellular Performance Day Cream, Sensai, 7260 rubles. 2 / Protective agent Ecran Multi-Protection SPF 50, Clarins, 2500 rubles. 3/ Lotion Bamboo Splash, Erborian, 2250 rubles. 4 / Antioxidant serum Bright Now Vitamin C Hyaluronic Essence, Lumene, 849 rubles. 5/ Corrective serum Skin Best, Biotherm, 5090 rubles. 6 / Antioxidant face cream "Vitamin E", Librederm, 130 rubles.

THE FIFTH ELEMENT

An important point: look for the words city, anti-pollution, detox on the packages. And in the composition - vitamins, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. “Healthy skin with an intact lipid barrier is more resistant to negative environmental influences,” says Ekaterina Andrianova. “And to restore it, you need funds with ceramides and phospholipids.” Another assistant in this matter is low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. “She is able to create a kind of hydro-reserve in the epidermis,” explains Maria Utkina. “For vascular fragility or severe rosacea, day and night creams should include strengthening ingredients, such as ascorbic acid, horse chestnut or green tea extracts.” As for free radicals, which adversely affect the level of collagen, it is worth fighting them with the help of antioxidants - vitamins A, C and E. By the way, they can and should be included in the diet! “One of the best sources is freshly squeezed cranberry juice,” advises wellness coach Mariel Alix. “It contains tocotrienols (powerful derivatives of vitamin E) and vitamin C.” And, of course, don't forget the SPF. “The factor prevents the premature formation of wrinkles and age spots,” says Elena Samokhvalova. - But the presence of too high SPF in the cream does not mean its effectiveness! The optimal level for urban conditions is SPF 30.

SALON CULTURE

However, home care is only part of the struggle for beauty! “During bad ecology and bad weather, dead cells are kept as additional protection,” says Maria Utkina. - The stratum corneum becomes thicker, giving the face a pale, grayish tint. Therefore, first of all, peeling (acid or chemical) is necessary - however, not more often than once every 7-10 days. After it, the skin immediately becomes pink, supple and smooth. Another way is biorevitalization: “Hyaluronic acid and peptides will enhance the protective properties and cope with damage that has already occurred,” adds Ekaterina Andrianova. Grazia believes that with such an army of means, the outcome of the battle must be successful!

Facial products: 1 / Foundation City Radiance, Bourjois, 669 rubles. 2 / Cleansing emulsion Creamy Cleansing Emulsion, Shiseido, 3550 rubles. 3 / Polyphenol protective serum, Caudalie, 3400 rubles. 4/ Detox serum Vax’In for Youth City Skin Solution, Givenchy, 5720 rubles. 5/ "Light Reactivator" Elixir 7.9, Yves Rocher, 1490 rubles. 6 / Night detox remedy Normaderm Nuit Detox, Vichy, 860 rubles.

Related Products

The condition and appearance of the skin is the key to our health and well-being. When the skin is healthy, it works intensively to protect our body from bacteria and viruses, regulates temperature and appearance, feels smooth, non-irritated, well hydrated and has a beautiful color. There are many factors - both internal and external - that affect the health of the skin and how it looks and feels. Some of them we cannot change, but most of them we can. Taking good care of your skin helps keep it healthy and looking younger for longer.

External (exogenous) factors

There are many external factors that affect skin health. These factors are determined by the environment, general health, and the lifestyle we adopt.

A person's genetic makeup determines their skin type (normal, dry, oily, or combination) and affects the overall condition of the skin.

Genetic and biological skin aging

Genetic features also determine the biological aging of the skin, which is characterized by:

• Deterioration of the process of cell regeneration and renewal.
• Reducing secretions from the sebaceous and sweat glands.
• Degenerative processes of connective tissue, as a result of which the skin becomes less able to bind water molecules and loses its elasticity.
• Regeneration of elastic fibers, which leads to a decrease in skin elasticity.

Biological skin aging should not be confused with premature skin aging, which is caused by external factors and can be influenced.

Your genetic makeup determines your skin type.

Genetic features also determine the biological aging of the skin.

Internal (endogenous) factors

Internal factors that affect the skin include genetics, hormones, and special conditions such as diabetes.

There are diseases - such as diabetes and kidney failure - that can affect the condition of the skin.

Many external factors can affect the skin and lead to skin diseases.

Hormones and changes in their levels can have a significant effect on the skin:

• Hormonal changes can cause acne during puberty.
• During pregnancy, hormones can contribute to increased melanin production and a form of hyperpigmentation known as melasma.
• Women's estrogen levels decrease with biological aging and especially after menopause. Estrogen has a beneficial effect on the moisture balance in the skin, so its decrease leads to structural changes and age-related atrophy of the skin.

Hormonal changes can affect the skin and cause acne.

Pregnancy can cause hyperpigmentation and affect the skin's moisture balance.

Climate and environment

Ultraviolet radiation
Free radicals are aggressive molecules responsible for the oxidation process that causes damage to cells in body tissues. Healthy skin contains antioxidants that protect it by neutralizing free radicals.

Constant exposure to the sun causes the formation of free radicals, which can weaken the skin's defense mechanisms.

Temperature
Extreme temperatures and their rapid change affect the health of the skin.

In cold conditions, the skin reacts by constricting blood vessels to protect the body from losing excess heat. Sustained low temperatures reduce the performance of the sebaceous glands and cause skin irritation and dryness. Read more in the article dry skin.

In hot and humid environments (such as in tropical countries or in a sauna), the sweat glands produce more sweat, keeping the skin moist and shiny, and in some cases lead to the formation of blackheads.

Some skin conditions, such as rosacea, can also be caused by high temperatures. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended to use warm rather than hot water for cleansing the face, washing hands and bathing.

Cold weather can cause dry skin.

Use warm, not hot water. Hot water can irritate the skin.

Chemical exposure

Aggressive Products
The skin has a slightly acidic natural reaction with a pH of 5. Aggressive cleansers (such as sodium lauryl sulfate and alkaline moisturizers) destroy the natural neutralizing properties of the skin, damage the cell structure and reduce the barrier function of the outer layer of the epidermis. As a result, the skin can dry out and become vulnerable to infections and flare-ups of diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

Some types of chemical peels can have a similar effect, so it's important to consult a dermatologist to make sure a particular treatment is right for your skin.

Some people are especially sensitive to aggressive products.:

• Young children and the elderly: Young and old skin is less resistant, as the activity of the sebaceous glands is either not fully developed or is in decline. Read more in the article skin at different ages.
• Those exposed to chemicals in the workplace: Professionals such as hairdressers, bricklayers and industrial workers are in constant contact with detergents, solvents, varnishes and paints, and these are all substances that are harmful to the skin.

Learn more about how to take care of your body and face and the importance of choosing the right skin care products.

Harsh chemicals and skin peels can damage the pH balance of the skin.

Those who work with chemicals must provide special skin care.

Nutrition
A balanced diet will help keep your skin healthy. There isn't much information out there about which foods are best for keeping skin healthy, but still:

• Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (fish instead of meat) are great for skin.
• A diet rich in vitamin C and low in fat and carbohydrates can help skin look younger.
• Antioxidant-rich foods also have protective properties. These include: yellow and orange fruits and vegetables (eg carrots and apricots), blueberries, green leafy vegetables (eg spinach), tomatoes, peas, beans and lentils, fish (especially salmon), nuts.
• Diets that exclude certain food groups and their nutritional value are not good for skin health. It is also advisable to limit the consumption of sweets and dairy products. Drinking plenty of water is important, especially for the elderly.

There is no clear relationship between nutrition and the causes of acne.

Some medications and medical procedures are known to cause dry skin as a side effect.

It is also important to drink plenty of water, especially for older people.

Therapeutic measures
Certain medications (such as chemotherapy, diuretics, laxatives, and lipid-lowering drugs sometimes taken to treat heart disease) and medical procedures (such as radiation therapy and dialysis) can make skin more sensitive and prone to dryness.

Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can help slow down the natural aging process and prevent skin problems:

Avoid stress
Uncontrolled stress can make the skin more sensitive and cause skin problems, including acne. It is necessary to get rid of stress: reduce stress, find time for leisure, and relaxation can help relieve stress.

Exercise
Regular exercise has a positive effect on skin health, as well as on the condition of the body as a whole.

sleep enough
Healthy sleep gives the body a chance to recover and thus promotes skin renewal.

Quit smoking
Tobacco smoke is the main source of free radical formation in the skin. Smoking causes the skin to look older and premature wrinkles appear due to:

• Narrowing of tiny blood vessels in the inner layers of the skin. This reduces blood flow and deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients such as vitamin A.
• Negative effect on collagen and elastin: fibers that provide firmness and elasticity to the skin.

Getting rid of stress will also contribute to the health of your skin.

A healthy night's sleep will give your cells a chance to recover.

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