Dermatology and Skin Physiology

 Dermatology and Skin Physiology

As far as human organs go, the skin is the biggest. It shields us from harmful elements, keeps us at a constant temperature, eliminates waste, relays sensory data to the brain, and controls our moisture levels. Compared to other parts of our bodies, our skin receives the most mental and emotional attention, and as a result, we spend anywhere from six percent to twenty percent of our discretionary cash on it (Lappe, 1996). So, it's important to think about the effects of cosmetics on our skin. This essay will look at the reasons why cosmetics are considered essential, as well as the psychosocial effects of these products. Additionally, we will think about the skin's physiology, the ways cosmetics influence skin function, and the skin's reaction to both natural and manmade cosmetic chemicals.

Cosmetics' Psychosocial Effects

Our culture is fixated with what Lappe calls the "culture of beauty" (1996), which includes the idea that our skin should never age and seem flawless. How we see our skin, both internally and externally, can have a significant impact on our mental health. As a result of how we perceive ourselves in relation to the outside world, our skin has evolved into the "primary canvas on which our cultural and personal identity is drawn" (Lappe, 1996). Companies in the cosmetics industry have pushed aside ideas of natural beauty in order to highlight imperfections like big pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, which in turn influences our purchasing habits as we strive for perfect skin.

The majority of animal species' males have brightly colored plumage or other physical characteristics to attract a female that is less colorful but adept at hiding her identity. Since humans lack analogue decoration, women rely on cosmetics, particularly makeup, to adorn their faces in an effort to entice potential partners.

Cosmetics: An Absolute Must

Any substance that, when applied, produces a transient, superficial change is considered a cosmetic (Anctzak, 2001). From lip balms to moisturizers, there is an assortment of cosmetics that we apply to our skin. The creative use of color in makeup allows us to change our outward look by drawing attention to certain face characteristics. It can enhance our facial features and help us communicate our unique identity to those around us. Applying makeup helps alleviate dark bags around the eyes, conceal scars, and even out skin tone. In some social contexts, it can improve our self-esteem, make us feel more attractive, and increase our social acceptability. Putting on makeup can help us look our best, which boosts our self-esteem, confidence, health, and morale.

Cosmetics used for skin care address the skin's outer layer, making it more resistant to environmental aggressors than untreated skin. In order to address the skin's surface, creams hydrate the cells that make up the skin's outermost layer. Additionally, it prevents water from evaporating from the skin's surface by creating a thin barrier that holds moisture underneath. Additionally, creams hasten the hydration of the outer layer of skin cells, which provides a transient plumping and smoothing effect. The use of exfoliants improves the skin's look by removing dead skin cells, blackheads, and flaky skin. By making the skin's pore walls more permeable, astringents enhance the skin's tone and texture and prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. Soaps dissolve the oily film that has been left on the skin by various cosmetics, skin care products, and natural oils, which in turn loosens dirt and grime particles.

A Skin Physiology Course and an Introduction to the Effects of Cosmetics on Skin Function

The three primary layers of skin are the hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis. Because our eyes can only detect changes on the surface of the skin, the epidermis is particularly vulnerable to the profound alterations brought about by aging. For example, skin elasticity and thickness decrease with age, particularly in the eye area. Although the skin will inevitably thin, some cosmeceuticals can temporarily thicken it. Wrinkles and lines are the result of the dermal fibers' breakdown of elastin and collagen, which are responsible for keeping the skin supple and hydrated. This process is hastened by exposure to UV radiation, and the belief that a cosmetic might halt its progression is baseless because very few cosmetics penetrate the dermis. Sun protection is essential in the fight against aging, especially the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.

As a system of tissues, the skin is both intricate and ever-changing. With 625 sweat glands, 90 oil glands, 65 hair follicles, 19,000 sensory cells, and 4 meters of blood vessels, the skin is composed of 19 million cells per square inch (Lappe, 1996). Sheets of the protein keratin and flat, dead skin cells called squames make up the cornified layer, the outermost layer of the epidermis. In the face of environmental dehydration, it protects us. Since the skin's surface gets drier from being in frequent contact with the outside world, it gets most of its moisture from the subcutaneous tissue. The cornified layer can become dry, brittle, and hard when the skin is exposed to dry environments. If left untreated, it can split and cause infection. To maintain the skin's moisture and suppleness and to avoid dehydration, creams form a waxy barrier. The six additional epidermal layers that are responsible for cell production are located beneath the cornified layer. It could take up to four weeks for a new cosmetic to show effects on the skin's surface because the skin cells in this layer have a life cycle of about 28 days.

Millions of beneficial microbes that boost immunity to disease-causing microorganisms call the skin surface home as well. Accordingly, good bacteria like streptococcus mutans and micrococcus luteus are killed off in the process of skin sterilization, which is something we really want. For example, toners help reduce the number of bacteria in the skin, which means fewer acne breakouts caused by those pesky germs that enter and multiply in pores. When applied topically, anti-microbial creams can kill off good bacteria but leave harmful ones unchecked, leading to skin infections. When skin is injured, the production of antimicrobial proteins known as defensins and cathelicidins increases. In addition to regulating core body temperature, perspiration kills germs that cause unpleasant body odor by releasing a protein called dermicidin. Additionally, deodorants help control the bacterial population, which in turn reduces the odors caused by the waste matter released by the sweat glands. Excessive washing increases the risk of infection and eczema, according to research (Awake!, 2004). This is because overwashing removes natural bacteria and germicides from the skin.

Skin Reactions to Synthetic and Natural Cosmetic Ingredients

Extracts from plants or animals, as well as rocks and minerals, are all considered natural substances (Antczak, 2001). Chemical reactions carried out in the course of an industrial process alter a natural substance, rendering it artificial or synthetic (Antczak, 2001). There are three must-ask questions before applying any of the many cosmetics we use on our skin:How exactly is the cosmetic made?What is the purpose of each component?What kind of effects do the components have on the body and skin? (For a definition of each term, visit www.organicmakeup.ca.)



Beyond the cosmetic's immediate effects, are there any long-term consequences to absorbing it regularly, even though many items say they are safe or at least seem to be harmless? Although it was previously believed that the skin would act as an impermeable barrier, the advent of transdermal medications has disproved this notion and shown that, in fact, numerous chemicals may penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.

The skin's absorption rate of different cosmetic chemicals is affected by a number of factors. Absorption is affected by the skin's condition, including whether it's dry or injured. Abrasions, cuts, or acne can also enhance absorption. Inhalation (as with hairspray or talcum powder) or mucous membrane absorption are two further routes of cosmetic chemical absorption. The skin is more efficient in absorbing moist substances than powders. Even while they say they'll help with skin issues like acne or dryness, many products actually make things worse. One example is the use of comedogenic, or pore-clogging, chemicals in acne treatments. The skin's natural oils are helpful in avoiding dryness, but certain dry skin treatments actually deplete the skin of these oils. Certain products have chemicals that penetrate the skin, causing the oil to breakdown and the skin to become less greasy (Lappe, 1996). Chemical sensitivity is becoming more common; it can happen to anyone, even after using the same product for a long time. Twenty percent of the population develops signs of chemical sensitivity due to chemicals in cosmetics (U.S. data, Erickson, 2002). Natural cosmetics recognize that the trade-off between temporary beauty and health risks is not worth it, and they promote less harsh, more conventional skin treatments.

Proper diet, a healthy lifestyle, and surface protection that works and is safe are the pillars upon which skin health rests. The organic make-up company has an extensive makeup and cosmetics range that is 100% natural and free of synthetic, petroleum-based, and animal-based components, allowing you to attain healthy, glowing skin. In order to keep our items fresh for your order, we use preservatives such d-alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and other antimicrobial plant oils.

Please consider trying out our all-natural goods. The skin's physiology and solid scientific concepts form the basis of our cosmetics and makeup. Being all-natural, cruelty-free, and a great substitute for traditional cosmetics and make-up, our goods will win you over just by being themselves.




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