Skin and environment

Skin and the environment - Everything you need to know to protect your skin

Our skin is exposed to a wide variety of environmental factors every day. From UV rays and air pollution to allergens and the climate - all these factors influence our skin health and can exacerbate skin problems such as itching, allergies and skin ageing. 

The skin as the body's protective barrier

The skin is our most important protective barrier against external influences. It protects us from harmful substances, germs and UV radiation and prevents us from losing too much moisture. Thanks to its protective acid mantle, it keeps harmful microorganisms at bay and ensures that our body remains in balance. As a multifunctional organ, the skin plays an essential role in our immune system and protects us from environmental influences and diseases on a daily basis.

An intact skin barrier is crucial for our health - but environmental influences can weaken it. The most important environmental influences include UV radiation, air pollution, temperature changes, chemicals and irritating substances as well as diet. 

In the following, we will take a closer look at these environmental influences and their effect on the hair barrier. 

UV radiation: 

UV radiation is one of the most important environmental factors for the skin and has both positive and negative effects. 

• Positive effects:
  • Vitamin D synthesis: UV light, especially UV-B radiation, stimulates the production of vitamin D in the skin. This vitamin is important for our bone health, immune system and general physical health. 
  • Mood enhancementSunlight contributes to the release of serotonin, which lifts the mood and can help combat seasonal low moods. 
  • Support for skin diseasesUV radiation can have a therapeutic effect on certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis, neurodermatitis or vitiligo, as it slows down cell growth and reduces inflammation. However, this only applies in the context of controlled therapeutic irradiation, known as UV therapy.  
• Negative effects:
  • Damage to the skin cells: UV rays can damage the DNA of skin cells, which can lead to premature skin ageing (photoaging). The risk of skin cancer also increases. 
  • Weakening of the skin's protective barrierUV radiation breaks down the skin's protective lipid barrier, which promotes increased dryness and increases the risk of infection. 
  • Risk of sunburn and pigmentation disordersToo much UV radiation causes sunburn and can cause pigmentation disorders such as age spots in the long term. 

Environmental itching 

Environmental factors can contribute to the development and intensification of itching. These external influences often directly irritate the skin or weaken its barrier function, making it more sensitive and prone to itching. Here are some of the most important environmental factors and their effects on itching:

1. Dry air and extreme temperaturesCold or very hot air and low humidity draw moisture from the skin and cause it to dry out. Dry skin is more prone to itching, as the lack of moisture weakens the skin barrier and makes the skin more susceptible to irritation.
2. Air pollution: Pollutants such as fine dust, exhaust fumes and chemical particles in the air can irritate the skin and promote inflammatory processes. These stresses weaken the skin's protective barrier and often lead to dry, irritated skin, which is often accompanied by itching.
3. UV radiationExcessive UV radiation can damage the skin barrier and promote itching. 
4. Water quality: Chlorine and other chemicals in tap and pool water can dry out and irritate the skin, which often causes itching in sensitive people. Hard water with a high lime content can also damage the skin and contribute to itching.
5. Allergens in the environmentPollen, animal hair and mold spores are environmental allergens that trigger skin reactions and itching in many people. Especially in the allergy season or in poorly ventilated rooms, these irritants can make the skin more sensitive.
6. Clothing and chemical residuesSynthetic fabrics, tight clothing or detergent residues on textiles can mechanically or chemically irritate the skin, which can also lead to itching.

These environmental factors cannot be completely avoided, but itching can often be alleviated or prevented through skin care, regular application of cream and protection from extreme environmental conditions.

Allergies and environmental pollution

Allergies are the body's defense reactions to harmless substances such as pollen, dust or cosmetic products. Due to the increase in pollutants and changes in the environment, an increase in the number of allergy patients can be observed. Pollutants can sensitize the immune system and lead to an increased susceptibility to allergies. In addition, existing allergy symptoms can be exacerbated by air pollution. Therefore, a clean, healthy living environment is crucial for the prevention and management of allergies. 

Influence of skin care on the skin barrier 

Many cosmetic products contain fragrances and preservatives that can trigger allergies or irritation in sensitive skin. Products without fragrances and preservatives should be chosen, especially if you have existing skin conditions. Hypoallergenic cosmetics from drugstores or pharmacies without the above-mentioned fragrances and preservatives are often well tolerated. However, it should always be borne in mind that there is no "one" skin care product for all skin types and skin conditions.  

Showering and bathing also have an impact on our skin barrier. Daily, short showers are generally harmless, but prolonged bathing can damage the skin barrier. If you bathe, you should only do so once or twice a week and consider using an oil bath. Mild, moisturizing bath additives can also be helpful. As a general rule, you should try to keep the water temperature low to protect the skin. After showering or bathing, it is advisable to gently pat the skin dry to protect the barrier function. 

Tips for protecting the skin from environmental influences 

• Sun protectionPrevents damage to the skin barrier caused by UV damage 
• Moisturizing careMoisturizing products help to protect the skin from dehydration caused by the environment. This strengthens the barrier function of your skin 
• Mild skin careUse pH-neutral care with few fragrances and preservatives 
• Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet with sufficient vitamins, minerals and fats 
• Avoid smokingSmoking damages and strains the skin barrier 
• Avoidance of irritants and allergens: Allergens, cleaning agents and chemical substances can increase itching. Wear gloves when cleaning and avoid known allergens.