The skin is constantly exposed to environmental hazards, especially ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet A light is especially likely to cause damage within the dermis, leading to wrinkles and premature ageing, while ultraviolet В light is more likely to cause skin cancer. With the ongoing depletion of the ozone layer, ultraviolet intensity is rapidly increasing. As a consequence, the risk to our skin is greater, and our love of sun-baking does nothing to help the situation.The skin is constantly surrounded by potential enemies, not only the sun, but fungi, bacteria and viruses. Undamaged skin is very efficient at protecting us from serious infections. Other environmental hazards include various chemicals, cigarettes, creams and cosmetics. Many people do not realize that nearly every cosmetic contains at least ten different chemicals, the safety of which can be uncertain.Despite popular belief, most skin diseases are not related to food, and the majority of food allergies are not evident on the skin. True skin allergies to substances applied to the skin— particularly in the form of perfumed cosmetics, creams, medicaments, industrial chemicals and plants – do occur, however.Another misconception is that skin diseases are not particularly important to one’s overall state of health. Although it is rare for people to die of skin diseases, on a psychological level they can cause depression and social isolation.Because much of our skin is often visible, disease is easy to detect and sometimes difficult to hide. Because we place such value on the attractiveness of our skin, we are more concerned with our skin than almost any other part of our body. Cosmetic companies are able to take advantage of our insecurity, promoting all manner of skin remedies. Even the most intelligent people can be brainwashed by their advertising. Methods of minimizing skin damage, however, are available to us all, especially in the form of sun protection.
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THE SKIN AND THE ENVIRONMENT
