External Factors that Affect the Skin

External Factors that Affect the Skin
External Factors that Affect the Skin - Apart from any inherited factors that determine what type of skin you have, there are many external factors that affect the way your skin looks and feels. Knowing how these factors affect the skin is important if your goal is to keep your skin looking and feeling its best for as long as possible.

Poor Skincare

Lack of proper daily skincare or incorrect skincare can be a major factor affecting the skin’s condition. For example, poor hygiene can lead to damage from acne. Or using the wrong products for your skin type can strip the skin and damage the protective barrier, leading to premature wrinkles and other damage.

Sun Damage (Photoaging)

The main cause of premature aging of the skin is exposure to ultraviolet light. The harmful UV rays breakdown the skin’s support structure – the collagen and elastin that keep skin tight and supple. Many skin changes that were commonly believed to be due to aging such as bruising, deep lines and wrinkles, brown skin and think skin on arms and hands, are actually a result of prolonged exposure to the sun. In addition to deeper lines and wrinkles, the texture of the skin will become rough and there may be areas of prominent blood vessels and uneven skin tone. Damage from tanning machine and sunbeds can cause the same damage and produce the same results as natural sunlight.

Occupational Hazards

It is estimated that more than 13 million workers in the US are potentially exposed to chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. Dermal exposure to hazardous agents in the workplace can result in a variety occupational skin disease (OSD) and systemic toxicity. Frequent contact with chemicals can results in skin irritation, allergic response, chemical burns, allergic contact dermatitis and even more serious conditions such as skin cancer. Depending on where you work, other factors such as hot or humid conditions, a dusty environment, even overly dry air in the workplace from air conditioning or heating, can also affect the skin condition.

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Environmental Exposure

Exposure to extreme weather conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain and sudden changes in temperature), pollutants and poor air quality all adversely affect the skin’s quality. Dust can clog pores and increase bacteria on the face, both of which lead to acne or spots. Invisible chemical pollutants in the air can interfere with your skin’s natural protection system, breaking down he natural skin’s oils that normally trap moisture into your skin and keep it supple. Dry air and extremely cold air will sap moisture from the skin, leaving it flaky, tight and rough.

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