The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a crucial role in our health and well-being. It is therefore essential to take care of it daily. Sometimes mistakenly considered a simple aesthetic practice, skincare also has a positive effect on self-confidence and quality of life.
In this article, we explain why skincare is important at all ages, from both a physiological and psychological perspective. Finally, we detail the right steps to include in a facial skincare routine.
Skincare to feel good... in your own skin!
From a social perspective, having beautiful skin gives you self-confidence. But the opposite is also true, and in today's society, Skin aging is becoming increasingly difficult for some people to cope with. Researchers have looked into the issue1-2and have highlighted two important points:
- Skin problems such as psoriasis, vitiligo, or acne, because they cause visible marks, increase the risk of depression, isolation, or mental health problems in those who suffer from them.
- Ageism, or when natural aging is considered an illness or even a disability, can significantly impact quality of life. It is generally active people who are most affected. Ageism affects all age groups, with constant pressures to look younger. Its effects are the same as those of skin diseases.
In this context, skin care, and particularly facial skin care, the most visible part of our body, takes on its full importance.
Why should we take care of our skin?
In addition to helping us interact with others, our skin is our first line of defense against disease and external aggressions such as pollution. It is therefore necessary to protect it and help it strengthen the protective mechanisms present in its different layers. data-mce-fragment="1">To understand why taking care of your skin is essential, you need to remember that it is:
An immune barrier
The skin protects the body from unwanted microbes and bacteria thanks to specialized cells:
- Macrophages are the first line of defense. They are able to ingest and destroy dangerous external agents through a process called phagocytosis.
- Lymphocytes, on the other hand, play a key role in the immune response. They are produced in the lymph nodes and circulate throughout the body, including the skin. When they encounter a foreign or infectious substance, they multiply and release specific antibodies to attack it.
A shield against UV rays
Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color. It is produced by cells called melanocytes. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, melanocytes produce more melanin to protect it from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.
However, it's important to note that melanin does not completely block UV rays, and excessive sun exposure can still cause burns and damage that can have serious consequences.
Using sunscreen with an adequate UV index is therefore one of the steps you should take to protect your skin.
Physical protection
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, protects against immediate external aggressions and friction.
The dermis, the middle layer, is rich in collagen fibers and elastin. This layer ensures the skin's elasticity so it can adapt to body movements. data-mce-fragment="1">Finally, the hypodermis, the deepest layer of the skin, is mainly composed of fat cells that act as padding and provide protection against shocks.
A temperature regulator
When we feel hot and our internal temperature rises, the sweat glands located in the dermis begin to produce sweat. This sweat captures body heat and then evaporates through the pores located on the surface of our skin.
This sweating phenomenon is essential to our survival because without it, our body temperature could rise to potentially fatal levels.
A sensory organ
The skin is the organ that gives us the sense of touch. It acts like a radar thanks to its millions of nerve endings that receive sensations and transmit them to the brain, which reacts accordingly. This is another essential function of the skin that helps—among other things—protect against danger.
Indeed, people who are insensitive to pain because their skin is damaged and their sense of touch is impaired generally have a reduced life expectancy. Since they cannot perceive a danger, such as a significant heat source, they could place their hand on a very hot stovetop, feel nothing, and thus suffer a serious burn.
This non-exhaustive list demonstrates the importance of maintaining skin integrity throughout life. Furthermore, with age and daily environmental stresses, the skin barrier becomes fragile and loses its effectiveness. To combat the damage it may suffer, the experts at FILORGA Laboratories recommend regular use of skin care products adapted to this change in protective function.
The right steps for beautiful skin
To conclude this article, here are 4 essential steps to include in a skincare routine.
- Cleanse your skin gently. Start by purifying andcleansing your face. This daily action eliminates dead skin cells, pollution particles, and impurities accumulated on the skin's surface. Don't forget to remove makeup thoroughly if necessary.
- Hydrate and protect. Once your skin is clean, apply a serum and/or cream suited to your skin type. Hydration and protection go hand in hand, and a quality beauty product will provide both simultaneously.
- Focus on the eye area. The eye contour area is delicate and fragile, requiring special attention. Whether it's to brighten up tired eyes or reduce crow's feet, FILORGA experts recommend always using a product specifically designed for this area of the face.
- Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun. Wellpreparing your skin for the sun is an essential step in skincare and one of the best ways to preserve your skin's natural beauty.
Skincare, from a sociological, psychological, and physiological perspective, is therefore much more than a simple beauty routine. It is the link between our relationship with the outside world, our mental well-being, and our physical health. This is why FILORGA offers a complete range of cosmetic products that allow its consumers to maintain beautiful skin and protect it from external aggressions.
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., & Brown, S. E. (2016). Body Image and Body Dysmorphic Concerns. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 96(217), 47–50. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2368
