Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1523489
THE SKIN IS THE FIRST DEFENSIVE BARRIER of the body when in contact with the environment and environmental stressors— physical, chemical, and biological. Because of this, skin barrier function and skin immunity go hand in hand. If the barrier is compromised, the natural immunity of the skin is also compromised. This limits the protection the skin can give to the body and how skin cells function. Skin protection is affected by any conditions that produce inflammation, disruption of the skin barrier, decreased ability to repair wounds, and increased risk of skin cancer. Physical aggressors include sunlight, heat, and cold. Chemical irritants include pollutants in the air and water, alcohol, household cleaners, allergens, car emissions, secondhand smoke, and other compounds. Biological stressors include plants like poison ivy, bacteria, fungi, pollens, and pet dander. Air pollutants are believed to induce or exacerbate a range of skin conditions and inflammatory diseases (atopic dermatitis, cellulitis, and psoriasis), skin aging, acne, hair loss, and skin cancer risk. The intensity of physical, chemical, and biological aggressors and the length of exposure to them are also contributing factors in degraded skin health. Understanding the specific impact of each environmental stressor enables you to create a strategy to counteract its effects on your client's skin and shield it from future damage. Let's look at the most common stressors and how your clients can combat damage. SKIN PHYSIOLOGY Totally Stressed Out Environmental stressors that affect your client's skin health by Shawna Rocha 28 ASCP Skin Deep Summer 2024