Protecting Your Outer Self
People often claim that beauty is just apparent on the outside; what matters is what is “within.” Although our interiors 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 can continue to receive good care from it.
Your body’s skin offers a variety of defenses. According to NIH dermatologist Dr. Heidi Kong, “the skin serves as a barrier to protect the body from invasion by bacteria and other potential environmental threats that might be detrimental for human health.”
Skin also has various functions. It has nerve endings that enable you to detect hot or sharp objects so you can rapidly withdraw from them. Your skin has sweat glands and small blood arteries that assist regulate body temperature. Additionally, sunlight is converted into vitamin D by skin cells, which is necessary for strong bones.
Your skin may also warn you of a health issue. A red “butterfly” rash on your face could be an indication of lupus, whereas an itchy, red rash could indicate allergies or an infection. Liver illness may be indicated by a yellow tinge. 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, consult your doctor.
If you don’t get enough fluids or spend too much time in hot, dry weather, your skin may get excessively dry. Despite the fact that washing your hands frequently can cause dry skin, Kong cautions against doing so, especially if you use hot water and abrasive soaps. Use moisturizing creams or lotions to relieve dry skin, and wash your hands and take a bath in warm rather than hot water. To lessen the dryness of the air in your home, you might also consider utilizing a humidifier.
Your skin might be harmed by the sun as well. UV light from the sun causes sunburn and hastens the aging of your skin, which generates more wrinkles as you age. According to Kong, there is a direct connection between UV exposure and skin cancer. Therefore, shield your skin from the sun. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, wear hats and other protective clothes, and limit your time in the sun in the late morning and early afternoon when it is most intense.
The microbiome of the skin—the bacteria and other minute organisms that dwell on your skin—is being studied by numerous skin researchers like Kong. Some of these microorganisms have potential benefits. There is evidence that they improve your body’s ability to fight infections and maintain your 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 who have skin illnesses. In the long run, researchers hope to develop strategies that will increase beneficial skin microorganisms while decreasing dangerous ones.
