Why is it so important to take care of your skin on a daily basis?

From a social perspective, having good skin gives you self-confidence. But the opposite is also true, and in today’s society, ageing skin is an increasingly difficult thing for some people to cope with. Researchers have studied the issue1-2 and come across two important findings:

• Skin conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, or acne, which are visible, increase the risk of depression, isolation, and other issues in sufferers. 

• Ageism, i.e. when natural ageing is seen as an ailment or even a disability, can have a major impact on quality of life. Generally speaking, it’s people who are active professionally that are most affected. Ageism affects all age groups, as people are constantly expected to look younger and younger. This affects people in the same way as skin conditions do. 

This is why skincare, and in particular facial skincare (given that the face is the most visible part of our body), becomes so important.

As well as playing an important role in how we interact with others, our skin acts as our first line of defence against disease and external stresses like pollution. This means that protecting it and bolstering the protection mechanisms in its various layers are essential.

To fully appreciate why taking care of your skin is so important, it’s worth remembering that it is:

An immune barrier.

Skin protects the body from harmful microbes and bacteria with the help of specialised cells, such as: 

• Macrophages, which represent the first line of defence. They have the ability to ingest and destroy dangerous contaminants through a process called phagocytosis.

• Lymphocytes also play a key role in the immune response. They are produced in the lymph nodes and are distributed throughout the body, including the skin. If they encounter a foreign or potentially infectious substance, they multiply and release specific antibodies to attack it.

A protective barrier against UV radiation.

Melanin is the pigment responsible for the colour of your skin. It is produced by cells called melanocytes. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, melanocytes produce more melanin to protect it from potential damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

But it’s worth bearing in mind that melanin doesn’t completely block UV radiation; excessive exposure to the sun can still cause burns and damage with potentially serious consequences. 

So, using sun protection with a suitable SPF is one of the best ways to protect your skin. 

A physical barrier.

The skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis, protects against immediate external stresses and friction.
The middle layer, the dermis, is rich in collagen fibres and elastin. This layer gives the skin elasticity, allowing it to accommodate the body’s movements.

Finally, the deepest layer of the skin, the hypodermis, is primarily made up of fat cells that act as cushioning and provide protection against knocks and bumps.

A temperature regulator.

When we’re hot and our internal temperature rises, the sweat glands found in the dermis begin producing sweat. This sweat then absorbs body heat and evaporates from pores on the skin’s surface.

This process is essential to our survival because, without it, our body temperature could reach potentially fatal levels.

A sensory organ.

Our skin allows us to experience the sense of touch. It functions like a kind of large-scale sensor, with millions of nerve endings picking up signals that are then transmitted to the brain, which reacts accordingly. This is another essential function of the skin, as it helps, among other things, to warn us of danger.

People who lack sensitivity to pain due to damaged skin and an impaired sense of touch actually tend to have a shorter life expectancy, as they are unable to sense certain hazards, like a source of heat. For example, they could put their hand on a piping hot stove, feel nothing, and suffer severe burns.

The above list, which is by no means comprehensive, shows just how important it is to keep your skin healthy and in good condition throughout your life. Also, as we age and are exposed to everyday environmental stresses, the skin barrier weakens and becomes less effective. Laboratoires FILORGA’s experts recommend the regular use of a treatment suited to this alteration in the skin’s protective properties to counter any damage it may sustain. 

To wrap up this article, here are 4 essential steps to include in your skincare routine.

• Gentle cleansing. Start by purifying and cleansing your face. This simple daily procedure removes dead skin cells, pollution particles, and any impurities that may have built up on the skin’s surface. Don’t forget to thoroughly remove makeup if necessary.

• Moisturise and protect. Once your skin is thoroughly cleansed, apply a serum and/or cream suited to your skin type. Moisturising and protecting the face are two sides of the same coin, and a high-quality beauty product will do both at once. 

• Pay special attention to the eye contour. The eye contour is a sensitive and fragile area that demands particular care. FILORGA’s experts recommend that you always use a treatment specifically designed for this area, whether to brighten up tired eyes or tackle crow’s feet.

• Don’t forget sun protection. Properly preparing your skin for the sun is crucial to good skin health and is one of the best ways to care for your skin. 

From a social, psychological, and physiological point of view, skincare is so much more than a mere beauty routine. It ties together our relationship with the outside world, our mental well-being, and our physical health. This is why FILORGA is committed to providing a comprehensive range of cosmetic products to help its customers maintain beautiful skin and ensure protection against external stresses.

Sources:

1: Vallerand, Isabelle & Lewinson, Ryan & Parsons, Laurie & Lowerison, Mark & Frolkis, Alex & Kaplan, G.G. & Barnabe, Cheryl & Bulloch, Andrew & Patten, Scott. (2018). Risk of depression among patients with acne in the U.K.: A population-based cohort study. British Journal of Dermatology. 178. 10.1111/bjd.16099.

2: Tomas-Aragones, L., & Marron, S. E. (2016). Body Image and Body Dysmorphic Concerns. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 96(217), 47–50. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2368