Protective mechanisms of the skin. The influence of the environment on the condition of the skin Protection of the skin from external negative influences

To ensure the safety of human life and health in hazardous working conditions, personal protective equipment has been created.

Let us dwell in more detail on PPE for the skin and respiratory organs, see what means of protecting the skin from external negative influences, get acquainted with the rules for their storage and recommendations for choosing.

Personal respiratory and skin protection items ensure the safety of the human body under various hazardous conditions. The human body is not able to independently repel the attack of aggressive substances, for example, radiation, biological or poisonous substances.

In these and other cases, PPE prevents dangerous elements from getting on the skin, inside the body, as well as on clothing items.

Classification and application

All PPE are classified into the following means:

for respiratory organs ();
for skin (pants, overalls, aprons, shoes);
(first aid kit).

Principle of operation

Personal respiratory and skin protection equipment includes filtering and isolating PPE.

The former work like a barrier, purifying the air that passes through the impregnation preparation, from dangerous and harmful elements.

Thus, they allow air from outside to enter the suit, simply making it suitable for consumption by the human respiratory system. The filtering suit is an ordinary suit, if it is well pollinated with an oily-soapy solution.

Second, as the name suggests, completely isolate the environment from the human body, blocking the path of poisoned air and other possible harmful substances. Special skin protection products (overalls) are made, usually of rubberized, frost-resistant, waterproof materials that reliably protect the skin when a person is in an infected area, as well as during various types of disinfection and degassing.

Insulating PPE can be hermetic, that is, completely covering the entire skin and mucous membranes, and non-hermetic, that is, protecting only from dangerous vapors.

insulating elements: combined arms suit and overalls. The protective combined arms set includes gloves, stockings and a raincoat. Overalls consist of overalls, pants, jackets and apron.

Special raincoats exist in 5 sizes: the smallest size for height up to 1.65 m, the second - from 1.6 to 1.7 meters, the third from 1.7 to 1.75 meters, the fourth - from 1.75 to 1.8 meters and the fifth is considered the largest - more than 1.80 meters.

The gloves are made of rubber, supplemented with seals made of material impregnated with special compositions, which increase the protective ability against fumes. There are two types of gloves: five-fingered for the summer period and two-fingered for the winter period. The second is insulated with a lining. Gloves weigh about 0.3 kg.

Stockings consist of rubberized woven material. The sole for warmth is supplemented with tarpaulin or rubber. Stockings are equipped with tapes for fixing on the lower leg and fastened to the belt with one ribbon. The elements weigh decently - from 800 grams to one and a half kilograms.

Respirators are modern reliable means of personal respiratory protection. If you are interested in knowing what it is, we will tell you in a separate article.

Would you like to know how the GP-5 gas mask works? You will find answers to all questions.

In this, you will learn how to choose the right size gas mask.

Manufacturing methods

According to the type of production, they are divided into industrial and homemade.

The first to leave the assembly line, they meet all standards and GOSTs, they are checked and approved by the necessary departments. The latter are usually made from materials that are easy to find in any room.

To purchase a reliable and high-quality personal protective item, pay attention to a number of points:

Personal protective equipment is selected according to several key criteria, the main of which are the level of skin and respiratory protection, wear resistance, compliance with quality certificates and other standards.

General storage rules

Keep personal protective equipment in designated areas. It can be an equipped warehouse or a workplace.

Protective suits and footwear need for quality repairs., timely removal of dust and dirt, if necessary, dry cleaning or washing, as well as other types of prevention. This approach to PPE allows you to increase their service life by several months. Good results are obtained by adhesive repair of overalls.

In conclusion of our article, we suggest watching an interesting and informative video about personal protective equipment for respiratory organs and skin:

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 substances that 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

Type of impact	Skin defense mechanism
Pressure, impact, friction	Cushioning effect due to collagen and elastin fibers Thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis Fat pad in the hypodermis Formation of a water cushion
Cold	Narrowing of the blood vessels Shiver
Warm	Dilation of blood vessels sweating
UV radiation	Synthesis of melanin (pigmentation) Thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis
Chemical substances	Antibacterial proteins Impenetrable dermis screen Hydrolipid film
pathogenic microorganisms	Impenetrable dermis screen Hydrolipid film
drying out	epidermal fats Hydrolipid film Natural moisturizing factors

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 quantities.
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 frequently or even more 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, allergic skin diseases 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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 covers the entire human body and is the largest organ. In addition, it performs certain functions that are of great importance for our body. But there are 5 main factors that can negatively affect the condition of the skin.

stress

First, let's recap what stress is. Stress - it is a strong stress to which the body is subjected as a result of certain emotional upheavals. Let's try to catch the connection between stress and the condition of our skin. The fact is that during stress in our body there is an active production of hormones. adrenaline and cortisol, which have a definite negative effect on the skin.

Under the action of adrenaline, the capillaries of the skin undergo spasm. For this reason, the blood begins to stagnate, which leads to the deprivation of its oxygen, as well as essential nutrients. As a result, the skin acquires a pale yellow color. In individual cases, in parallel with the spasm of small vessels of the skin, in areas in the neighborhood, their unexpected expansion occurs, already due to a neurological nature. It manifests itself as stagnant red spots on the skin.

As for cortisol, at the time of stress it is also hostile to our skin, namely, it provokes an increase in the amount of sugar in the blood, the excess of which helps to start processes that change collagen molecules, and hence its properties. On the basis of such transformations, the skin becomes stiff, and the number of wrinkles on it inevitably grows. Cortisol slows down division and reproduction the most important connective tissue cells of the body - fibroblasts, which leads to inhibition of the nucleation of collagen fibers and disruption of their recovery. Against this background, the vulnerability of the skin of a mild degree, its protracted healing with various injuries, thinning and stretch marks are acquired.

Moreover, under the influence of cortisol, the natural production of hyaluronic acid which is an excellent skin moisturizer. Plus, this hormone threatens the importance of the natural skin barrier, which allows moisture to evaporate more intensively. Along with these processes, sensitivity, including photosensitivity of the skin, increases significantly, conditions for its infection and inflammation appear, and dryness occurs.

An excess of this hormone stimulates the formation of fats, which leads to their accumulation in the organs and tissues of the body and increases the production of sebum.

At the time of emotional outbursts, a large amount of histamines (mediators of allergic reactions), which can cause a rash, small pimples, as well as an increase in skin sensitivity to all sorts of irritants.

Constant or prolonged tension during stress provokes cramps in the muscles of the face, therefore, the elastin fibers stretch more than they should, while the skin loses its elasticity.

Quite frequent phenomena that accompany stress are poor-quality sleep and / or its lack. According to the results of scientific studies, it has been proven that the restorative effect of sleep is necessary for the formation of new and renewal of old skin cells. This process is regulated sleep hormone melatonin. Unfortunately, the older a person becomes, the less actively melatonin is produced in his body. Accordingly, the more time we devote to sleep, the younger we will look. Otherwise, the skin tone decreases and there is a significant risk of folds and wrinkles on it.

Ecology

It is known that the ecological situation in the whole country and the world is developing rather negatively. The presence of various kinds of pollution (exhaust gases, dust, smog, hard water, etc.) present in the environment also affects the condition of our skin. The most striking skin problems caused by the negative impact of the environment include:

pallor, lethargy and dryness,
loss of firmness and elasticity,
premature wrinkles,
blockage of pores
redness,
allergic manifestations.

I (Scandinavian)

Thin, light skin. Blond or red hair. Characterized by light eyes and the presence of freckles. Tolerance to ultraviolet radiation is minimal - a few minutes after irradiation, the skin burns (an inflammatory process occurs). There is no uniform tan. The use of sunscreen is a must.

II (light-skinned European)

Light skin and hair. Infrequently, freckles may occur. Eyes of light, gray, blue, green colors. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the skin burns easily. Achieving a noticeable natural tan is problematic. The use of s / s funds is also a prerequisite.

III (Central European)

Ivory skin. Dark and light brown hair. Light brown eyes. Skin tans easily. The tan is even. With prolonged exposure to the sun, it can burn. The use of s / s funds is necessary.

IV (Mediterranean)

Olive skin color. Dark brown, black hair. Dark brown, black eyes. The skin hardly burns. Sunburn occurs quickly and lasts for a long time. The use of s / s funds is necessary for prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation (not so much to prevent burns, but to prevent premature skin aging).

V (Asian)

Hazel, brown or yellow skin and black hair. The skin never burns. The tan is almost invisible due to the natural color of the skin. There is no need to use s / s funds.

VI (African)

Dark (black) skin, dark eyes and black hair. The skin also never burns. Natural skin protection from UV rays. There is no need to use s / s funds.

Over time, melanin tends to accumulate in our skin cells. Because of this, with age, small brown spots appear on it, resembling freckles. These are the so-called dark spots. Unfortunately, getting rid of them is almost impossible. Age spots increase age and make the skin color uneven.
UV is also known to increase the risk of skin cancer. Also, with regular use of sunbathing or visiting a solarium, small moles are often formed, which are benign neoplasms.

Smoking

When smoking, the skin receives a double toxic blow: it suffers from cigarette smoke in principle and is saturated with the harmful components of this smoke when it is inhaled, while being absorbed into the blood and flowing through the blood vessels to skin cells and nerve endings.

While smoking nicotine (an alkaloid found in tobacco) provokes vasoconstriction, which leads to a violation of the supply of oxygen to the tissues. This leads to slow healing of skin lesions, as this process requires a good blood supply. Because of the negative effects of tobacco smoke, people who have this bad habit are most at risk of developing skin cancer and are more likely to relapse. Scars, respectively, in the postoperative period are delayed for a long time. Moreover, tobacco smoke contributes to the formation carboxyhemoglobin in the vessels, which leads to the final deterioration of skin respiration. An interesting fact is that constricted vessels remain in this state for up to 1.5 hours after smoking one cigarette. This suggests that a person who smokes every 1.5 hours creates conditions for constant oxygen starvation for his own skin.

Smoking contributes to the destruction of collagen and elastin fibers, respectively, the firmness and elasticity of the skin is lost. With the constant puckering of the lips and squinting of the eyes under the influence of smoke, smokers develop wrinkles near the mouth, on the forehead and around the eyes. For those who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day, there is such information: the risk of noticeable and deep wrinkles is 5 times higher than in non-smokers, and their appearance occurs much earlier (sometimes with a difference of 20 years!). But the problems don't end with wrinkles. Often smokers are recognizable by the unhealthy condition of the skin of the face, which has a yellowish or gray tint and an expanded capillary network on the nose and cheeks. Their skin is rough and tough.

Alcohol

There is one indisputable fact regarding alcohol: alcohol spoils the appearance of a person before there is a feeling of its effect on the body as a whole. Consider the negative impact of this factor on the condition of our skin.

Alcohol is known to dilate blood vessels. That is why initially a person has a seemingly harmless blush on his face. However, when alcohol is abused, gluing occurs in the blood red blood cells - erythrocytes, transporting oxygen and, as a result, oxygen starvation of skin cells. If several capillaries are clogged with erythrocyte clots at once, their rupture occurs due to blood pressure. For this reason, a purple vascular network and a bluish-red complexion appear.
After drinking alcohol, the liver begins to work intensively to process it, and the kidneys to remove decay products. It is for this reason that alcohol has a pronounced diuretic effect. The result is significant dehydration. In this case, first of all, water leaves the subcutaneous fat. The skin becomes dry, dull, loses its former smoothness and earns the appearance of small wrinkles, as well as a more noticeable manifestation of existing ones.
Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages depletes the reserves of vitamins C and E, which help maintain collagen. Against this background, the contour of the face loses clarity, and in some areas the skin sags. In addition, alcohol reduces the ability of the skin to recover, so the regeneration period due to any damage lasts longer than it could be.
Alcohol also acts on the hormonal level, namely, it contributes to the restructuring of the hormonal background. In women, for example, the level of male sex hormones becomes higher, as a result of which the skin coarsens, the pores become pronounced. It should be noted that such consequences are very poorly amenable to cosmetic correction.
When alcohol consumption turns into alcohol abuse, the previously listed signs gain strength and new problems appear: for example, the function of the liver and kidneys suffers, and chronic pathologies of these and other organs appear. As for the skin, there are bags under the eyes, severe puffiness and puffiness of the face.

Useful tips to protect our skin from the influence of negative factors

1) A healthy lifestyle, including:

no bad habits (smoking, alcohol),
sound healthy sleep (preferably at the same time),
proper nutrition (eating foods rich in antioxidants),
avoiding stressful situations (if possible),
sports (mainly outdoors),
any trips outside the city (to nature).

2) Skin care with suitable cosmetic products (moisturizing creams, scrubs, peels, masks, etc.). If possible, it would be useful to visit a beautician. He will help determine your skin type, as well as photosensitivity and select cosmetics for individual care. Here are some tips for skin care in winter and summer:

In winter, you should very gently cleanse the skin, use products that have moisturizing and softening properties, since microcracks often appear on dry skin, which can cause infection. Although there is one big plus: in winter, especially in frosty weather, the air is very clean and all harmful microbes penetrate the skin to a lesser extent, and some of them simply die.
As for the summer period, at this time it is necessary to avoid clogging of pores and use light texture products. The same goes for sunscreen. For those who are going to tan: Purchase a quality tanning product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and use it every day after showering. On the first day, sunbathe for 20 minutes and then gradually increase the amount of time you spend in the sun. Sunbathe in any summer headdress so as not to get sunstroke and not dry out the skin of the face and hair. Cover your shoulders when returning from the beach. Follow the recommended time for tanning, namely before 10:00 and after 16:00, when the sun's rays are soft enough, do not cause burns, the tan lies evenly, and the skin acquires a beautiful bronze tint.