How do ethnicity, environment and lifestyle affect skin?

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Skin is one of the extremely important parts of the body, because it is the largest organ that protects the rest of the body from germs and infectious agents. Therefore, in order to take good care of the skin, it is necessary to learn carefully about factors that can affect skin health such as skin color, environment and lifestyle.

1. Skin color

Dermatologists classify skin color into 6 categories with type I being the lightest and type VI being the darkest. "People four years of age and older have more melanin in their skin, which helps protect skin from the sun," says Columbia University dermatologist Monica Harlem. Or, people with dark skin often look younger than people with light skin. For example, a black African with skin type VI is less likely to experience the aging effects of the sun than a blonde, blue-eyed, fair-skinned person in type I."
Even so, more melanin puts the skin at a higher risk of scarring and pigmentation problems. Also, people with dark skin are not completely safe from sun damage. So it's important to wear sunscreen, even if it's dark skin.

2. Problems of aging skin

As we age, the body begins to slow down the production of collagen and elastin. This leads to the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, exposure to the sun, the change in gravity will make the skin more prone to sagging.
Skin health is also constantly changing as we age. The skin becomes thinner as the inner layer of the skin (dermis) begins to thin. The subcutaneous fat on the cheeks, chin and nose also disappears, making the skin more prone to sagging. Facial hair increases and in women will experience hormonal changes that can lead to acne.
See also What happens to your skin as you age
For someone with oily skin, acne may never stop as the person's age increases. But oily skin is a plus because it smooths wrinkles better than dry skin. That's because the oils in the skin keep the skin softer and smoother.
Using a moisturizer is one way to lessen the effects of wrinkles before they appear. If you have oily skin, just keep it clean and less wrinkled with hypoallergenic moisturizers.
The body has the ability to fight free radicals - which are factors that cause attack and destruction of cells, and collagen will also decrease slowly with age. Antioxidants work to protect against free radicals, improve appearance, repair damage, and moisturize skin. Many skin care products today include antioxidants in their ingredients.

3. Sun damage to skin

Sun damage along with age factors contribute to the appearance of age spots, wrinkles and other skin problems, as well as can increase the risk of skin cancer. This effect occurs regardless of skin type.
See more Why is it important to protect the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays?
Dermatologists say that, some things happen naturally with age, but you wouldn't want to hasten the process. Things that can speed up the process are sun exposure and environmental damage. Exposure to the sun will cause damage to the skin. And no skin type is immune to sun damage. Up to 90% of cases will have skin damage. So we need to use sunscreen every day.

So choose sunscreen and how to use it correctly?
Choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays (should have the phrase “broad spectrum” on the label of the box/type of cream). An FPS of at least 30 can provide protection against these two rays. Apply sunscreen before going outside and reapply it at least every two hours. However, the number of times you apply sunscreen will be more frequent than if you sweat a lot. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Consider soap additives that give clothes an extra layer of UV protection with each wash, or use special sun-protective clothing designed to block UV rays. Also limit time in the sun, especially between 10am and 2pm. This is the time when the sun's rays are strongest.

4. Some other factors affect skin health

Secondhand smoke, cleaning chemicals and air pollution can all cause skin problems. Smoking makes skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Besides, smoking narrows the small blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, reducing blood flow and making the skin paler. This also depletes oxygen and nutrients important for skin health.
Smoking also damages collagen and elastin - the fibers that give the skin its strength and elasticity. In addition, repetitive facial expressions that are made when smoking, such as pursed lips when inhaling and squinting to avoid smoke - can all contribute to skin wrinkles. . In addition, smoking can increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit smoking. You can consult your doctor about some treatment methods to help you quit smoking.
Besides, stress will produce hormones that increase the level of free radicals in the body. This hormone suppresses the immune system, causing the body to lose water and the skin to become dry. That could be the cause of acne because stress disrupts the body's ability to help the skin repair itself and causes rashes, eczema, redness, or itching. Stress also impairs the body's ability to fight free radicals and bacteria.
For healthy skin and a good state of mind, take steps to manage stress. At the same time, get enough sleep, set reasonable limits, make a to-do list, and make time to do things you feel like and interested in.

5. Follow a healthy lifestyle for healthy skin

Exercise: Exercise can reduce stress and help you sleep better. This leads to healthier skin. Get plenty of sleep: Sleep is an opportunity for the skin to repair damage caused during the day. Seven to eight hours a night allows the face to relax and smooth out wrinkles. Use some special tools to avoid dirt, smoke, and skin rejuvenation treatments. Eat healthy: Food affects the skin as it is an observable factor when there is a deficiency of nutrients. For example, if vitamin C is deficient, it can cause scurvy. Or zinc deficiency can lead to a red and scaly rash. Or iron deficiency can lead to hair loss. For healthy skin, build yourself a healthy, balanced diet. Drink a lot of warm water to moisturize the skin from the inside: Because when drinking water, the cells will absorb that water and at this time the skin will look tighter, blurring more wrinkles. Say no to stimulant drinks and caffeine: These are drinks that can cause dehydration of the body and skin. For example, coffee, alcohol and soda can deplete the body's nutrients, leaving skin tired and dull. This causes reddening of the face and worsens skin conditions. Limit bathing time: Hot showers and long baths or showers will remove all the oils from the skin. It is recommended to use warm water and shower less often. Avoid using harsh soaps and detergents, because they can remove oil from the skin. Instead, use gentle products.

Besides skin care and protection measures done at home, you can refer to methods of skin rejuvenation with cosmetic interventions. Learn more about PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma Skin Rejuvenation in the video below:


Source: webmd.com; mayoclinic.org
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