The skin is the body’s first line of defense against the external environment. To have a good protective barrier, it is necessary to maintain a healthy skin. However, in order to maintain healthy skin, we need to understand the factors that affect the characteristics of the skin so that we can have appropriate skin care.
There are many internal and external factors that affect the characteristics of the skin such as genetics, hormones, age, sun exposure, nutrition, medications, etc.
1. Internal factors
1.1 Heredity
Genes play an important role in the synthesis of proteins – the building blocks of body parts, including skin. Thanks to heredity, children often carry the characteristics of their parents in terms of skin type and color.
1.2 Hormones
Hormones have a large influence on the characteristics of the skin. During puberty, hormonal changes can cause acne. During pregnancy, hormones increase the production of melanin, which changes the color of the skin.
1.3 Age
As the age increases, the skin loses its elasticity, creating more wrinkles, sagging, dark spots, …
– External factors
– Sunshine
Exposure to the sun about 15-30 in the early morning each day is very beneficial for health. However, when the skin is in frequent and direct contact, it causes many adverse effects such as tanning, skin aging, melasma, etc.
2. Nutrition
To have beautiful healthy skin, our body needs to be provided with adequate protein, carbohydrates, fats, especially vitamins and minerals. Some vitamins are needed to maintain healthy skin such as vitamins C, D, A and B. Besides, minerals like zinc, iron, copper, etc. also play an equally important role.
3. Life mode
Irregular living, stress, staying up late, using stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco are factors that have a bad effect on the skin, making the skin dull, sensitive, and vulnerable. , infection,…
4. Drugs
Drugs also cause changes in the characteristics of the skin. According to a 2008 study by Gerson, the proportion of patients taking drugs that change the characteristics of the skin is 2% to 3%. Some drugs affect the skin such as antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs, pain relievers, antihistamines, …