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Skin care

life science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Skin care is the practice of maintaining and improving the health and appearance of the skin. The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It serves as a vital barrier against pathogens, irritants, and mechanical injury. It also plays a key role in regulating body temperature and water release through perspiration. Skin care sits at the intersection of cosmetics and dermatology. While dermatology focuses on medical issues, skin care includes non-physician professionals like estheticians and nursing staff.

Skin care cosmetics
Skin care cosmetics

This field involves modifying individual behaviors, environmental conditions, and even working conditions to protect the skin.

To understand skin care, one must understand how the skin functions and reacts to different factors. The skin's health is influenced by lifestyle, diet, and environment. For example, drinking enough water can help keep the skin hydrated, particularly for those who are chronically dehydrated. Diet also plays a role, as a lack of certain vitamins can lead to skin pathologies like scurvy or pellagra. Furthermore, sleep deprivation can worsen inflammatory conditions like eczema or psoriasis. These conditions can then create a cycle by reducing the quality of a person's sleep.

Skin types are largely determined by the activity of sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, a natural substance that acts as a lubricant. When these glands produce excessive amounts of sebum, the skin becomes oily. This type of skin often shows shininess, large pores, and a tendency toward blemishes or blackheads. However, oily skin may be less prone to wrinkles because the oil helps lock moisture into the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Conversely, dry skin lacks sufficient moisture and may appear flaky, tight, or red. For extremely dry skin, using thick, oil-based creams or moisturizers containing niacinamide and glycerin can help strengthen the skin barrier.

Sun protection is a critical component of any skin care routine. While the sun provides necessary vitamin D, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) can cause significant damage. UV radiation can lead to sunburn, uneven skin tone, and a loss of skin elasticity, which encourages sagging and wrinkles. It also increases the risk of skin cancer. To prevent this, sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas before sun exposure. A common recommendation is to apply at least 25 ml, or about a tablespoon, to the face, chest, back, and each limb.

Woman applying sunscreen
Woman applying sunscreen

Sunscreens are categorized by their SPF number, which indicates their effectiveness against radiation.

Skin care needs change significantly throughout a person's life stages. Neonates, or newborn babies, require very gentle cleansing. While there is no scientific consensus on the best method, immersion in water or using mild liquid cleansers is often considered superior to washing alone. Children and adolescents should use mild cleansers and wear sunscreen daily. However, the rise of social media platforms like TikTok has led some young people to use harsh anti-aging products that provide no benefit and may cause harm.

Young and old skin
Young and old skin

For the elderly, skin aging is associated with increased vulnerability and changes in texture. Using warm water instead of hot water and applying moisturizers with humectants can help manage the dryness common in older age.

Various medical conditions require specific professional interventions. Acne, which is caused by clogged pores and bacteria, affects between 40 and 50 million Americans every year. It can be treated with ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids. Other conditions include dermatitis, which involves skin inflammation, and psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes patches of abnormal skin.

Cara-Menghilangkan-Flek-Hitam
Cara-Menghilangkan-Flek-Hitam

Dermatologists can provide advanced professional services. These may include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or injectable fillers to treat specific concerns.

Finally, the regulation of skin care products varies by region. In the United States, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act divides products into two categories: cosmetics and drugs. Prescription drugs must undergo a strict approval process, but cosmetics do not require FDA approval before they are sold. In contrast, Europe follows the Safer Cosmetics law. This regulation enforces strict safety requirements, simplifies compliance for companies, and bans animal testing. Understanding these different categories and regulations helps consumers navigate the wide variety of products available on the market.

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File:Skin care cosmetics.jpg
Skin care cosmetics.jpg
File:Young and old skin.jpg
Young and old skin.jpg
File:Woman applying sunscreen.jpg
Woman applying sunscreen.jpg
File:Cara-Menghilangkan-Flek-Hitam.jpg
Cara-Menghilangkan-Flek-Hitam.jpg
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