- The reduction in oxygen supply and the decrease in vitamins E and C cause an alteration of the skin barrier that favors the appearance of spots in the dermis.
- There are many pathologies derived from attacks on the dermis that can seriously affect the quality of life, such as atopic dermatitis.
Madrid, February 6, 2020. One of the most common mistakes is to think that unprotected sun exposure is the practice that damages the skin the most. However, nothing could be further from the truth: certain routine habits can be a risk factor for healthy skin. Thus, the bacteria stored on our phone screen, the blue light emitted by mobile devices, the dryness of airplane cabins or high levels of urban pollution are some of the factors that can compromise dermatological health.
In this sense, there are many pathologies derived from attacks on the dermis that can seriously affect the quality of life, such as atopic dermatitis. The figures provided by the Association of Affected by Atopic Dermatitis1 reveal that between 1% and 3% of the Spanish adult population suffers from this pathology. Of them, approximately 30,000 adults have the most severe form, with continuous outbreaks that can become a disabling disease.
For all this, the health insurer Cigna has analyzed several risk factors with the aim of encouraging the adoption of habits that take care of our skin health:
- mobile phone screen. The use of these devices can contribute to the poor health of our skin in two ways: due to the dirt stored on the screen, which can have 18 times more bacteria than a toilet, and due to the blue light projected by mobile devices and certain screens. Blue light or HEV light (High Energy Visible) 2 activates enzymes called metalloproteinases, which accelerate the destruction of dermal collagen, which is the protein that gives turgor and tension to our skin. Furthermore, this light causes greater effects of oxidative stress, which can cause a increased aging and pigmentation.
- Travel by plane. This type of transport damages the dermis and aggravates existing pathologies such as rosacea3. The decrease in humidity that occurs in the aircraft cabin can reach below 10%, generating dehydration of the stratum corneum. Furthermore, another of the most harmful factors during flights is exposure to air conditioning and pressure changes, which can promote the appearance of redness, and even acne, in especially sensitive people.
- Changes of temperature. During winter the skin suffers dryness, tightness, peeling and redness, caused by the cold and wind. Sudden changes in temperature contribute to breaking the optimal water balance of the skin barrier, and lack of oxygen and nutrients that increases the sensitivity and dryness of the face. On the contrary, high temperatures can favor outbreaks of eczema or psoriasis.
- Pillows and covers. The textiles with which bedding is made are one of the materials that accumulate the most bacteria. In addition, these fabrics can absorb oil, dead cells and microorganisms from the skin and hair, and can cause skin irritation or the appearance of pimples due to daily use. Therefore, if you suffer from dermatitis, acne or oily hair, it is important to take extreme hygiene measures and change your bedding frequently (if possible, twice a week).
- live in the city. Poor environmental quality accelerates skin aging, which can have serious consequences on health and well-being. Thus, high levels of pollution cause a reduction in the levels of vitamin E, C and natural antioxidants in the stratum corneum. All this causes a decrease oxygen to tissues, so that the skin barrier is altered and Dehydration and the appearance of spots are favored.
Without a doubt, leading a healthy lifestyle based on a balanced diet and regular physical exercise helps reduce the likelihood of these types of conditions appearing. In addition, avoiding alcohol consumption, not smoking, adequately protecting yourself from solar radiation and environmental pollution and frequently attending dermatological medical check-ups will help improve skin health and prevent the appearance of skin problems.
