Tips for Healthy Skin

By Dr. Maria Jasmin Jamora

Our skin is one of the most important organs we have. It is a protective barrier between the internal organs of the body and the environment. Within the upper layer of the skin, the epidermis is essential structures like melanocytes which are special cells that produce skin pigment called melanin, as well as sweat pores, which are openings from the surface of the skin to glands found in the dermis. Within the second layer of the skin, the dermis are glands that produce perspiration (sweat glands) or oil (sebaceous glands), as well as collagen and elastin make the skin tough and elastic. Blood vessels in the dermis bring nutrients to the skin, carry away waste products, and regulate body temperature, while skin nerves help you sense your environment. The fat layer holds the upper layers of the skin in place. It varies in thickness depending on its location in the body. It acts as an insulator, preventing excessive heat loss.

Basic Skin Functions include the following:  acting as a protective barrier, temperature regulation, protection from UV light, a medium for sensory input and for metabolism of molecules, like Vitamin D. Skin can vary in type, color, sensitivity to external factors and presence of disease. It may also vary according to age, race, gender, location and many other factors. 

Skin Care for Different Skin Types

• Normal Skin: regular soap and water are usually sufficient for cleansing.
• Dry Skin: oilated soaps and moisturizers may help. The best time to apply a moisturizer is after bathing, while the skin is moist.
• Oily Skin: astringents may help to remove excess grease, but adequate washing is usually enough.

BASIC SKIN CARE TIPS

Care from the Outside

1. Bathe daily with soap and water.
2. Protect the skin from trauma, and extreme heat and cold
3. Prevent infections.
4. Apply moisturizers to dry skin.
5. Bathe daily to remove dirt, grease and grime.
6. Soap and water are usually adequate in cleaning the body.
7. Washing the face with mild soap 2-3 times a day, depending on the skin type, is enough.
8. Choose a cleanser that suits your type of skin to avoid overcleaning, drying and irritation.
9. Too much cleansing may strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture.
10. Never scrub the skin too vigorously; pat dry with a clean, soft towel.

CLEANSE

Keep your skin clean! Cleansing removes unwanted dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells. Cleansing also allows for better penetration of topical medications or over the counter products. Most authorities recommend cleaning your face twice daily to remove oil from pores and prevent blockage. Overly cleansing our skin may leave it dry and irritated and impair skin barrier function. Our skin has a normal pH between 5.3 and 5.9. Synthetic cleansers (syndets) contain fatty acid, waxes, esters and a neutral ph of 5.5 It is not irritating. Soaps on the other hand are composed primarily of alkali with fatty acids, has an alkaline ph of 8-10 and may cause irritation, dryness and redness, depending on your skin type. Choose a cleanser that leaves your face feeling soft and healthy. Make sure it does not leave your face feeling tight, stinging, dry and peeling. It should not cause redness or a burning sensation. 

MOISTURIZE

Although cleanse, tone and moisturize is an often cited beauty mantra, it is more applicable to cool, dry and temperate climates. Moisturizers should be used with discernment in hot humid tropical climate, as an overly oily greasy cream may actually clog pores and trigger acne. Moisturizers or emollients aim to soften and smooth the skin, protect it from irritation in we work and alleviate subjectively dry skin. Moisturizers are an essential part of therapy for skin conditions like atopic or contact dermatitis.  Aged skin has a lower water content compared to younger skin and more mature people may need more moisturizing. 

SUN PROTECTION

Sunlight is the most important cause of prematurely aging skin (a process called photoaging) and skin cancers. Overall, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight accounts for about 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. Most of the damage is initiated by age 20. Accumulated sun exposure over the years may destroy the collagen and elastic fibers of the skin. Age-related changes include wrinkling, dehydration, thickening and irregular pigmentation. Sun-related diseases include photosensitivity and skin cancer. UVA light plays a substantial role in photoaging and has a greater average depth of penetration into the dermis.

One of the most important ways to prevent skin damage is to avoid excessive sun exposure. 

• Use sunscreens that block out both UVA and UVB radiation.
• Wear protective clothing and sunglasses.
• Apply sunscreen generously. Don’t forget ears, nape of neck, arms, V of neck and scalp for thin hair.
• Reapply every 2 hours after sweating/toweling.
• Avoid sun exposure, particularly from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., when sunlight pours down 80% of its daily UV dose.
• Avoid reflective surfaces, such as water, sand, concrete, and white-painted areas.
• Clouds and haze are not protective and, in some cases, they may intensify UVB rays.
• Protective Clothing. Special clothing is now available for blocking UV.
• Seek the shade.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim. Better to have a long brim to cover the nape of the neck.
• Look for loosely fitted, unbleached, tightly woven fabrics. The tighter the weave, the more protective the garment.
• Everyone over age 1 should wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

SKIN CANCERS

Incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) , squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and malignant melanoma (MM) have increased significantly worldwide over the last several decades. A study done at St Lukes Dermatology encompassing 7 years showed 543 diagnosed cases of Skin cancers registered at the Central Tumor Registry of the Philippines found that BCC was the most common histologic type, accounting for 39% of the cases followed by SCC at 35.8% and MM at 12.8% 

Care from Within

1. Eat a balanced diet. Avoid pro inflammatory foods that are high in sugar, fat, salt and has a high glycemic index. Eat plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Healthy oils (such as coconut and olive oil) may protect against oxidative stress in the skin. Also a caloric restricted diet has been shown to slow aging.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Exercise at least 30 minutes daily. Daily exercise keeps blood flowing, which brings oxygen to the skin. Oxygen is an important ingredient for healthy skin.
4. Minimize stress and have enough sleep and rest.
5. Avoid smoking. Smoking increases wrinkles due to breakdown of collagen by enzymes found in cigarette smoke. Importantly, a smoker’s risk for squamous cell cancers is 50% higher than that of a nonsmoker. People should quit smoking to prevent many health problems, not just unhealthy skin. Also, secondhand smoke is more dangerous to your loved ones than yourself.
6. Avoid too much alcohol intake. Alcohol is pro inflammatory and can cause liver damage in excess quantities.
7. Don’t forget to pray, thanking God for His abundance, grace and generosity.

Healthy Skin is possible at Any age.

Skin disorders such as acne (pimples), eczemas, allergies, infections, body odor and many others need to be consulted with a dermatologist for proper treatment and prevention. In the country, the PHILIPPINE DERMATOLOGICAL SOCIETY is the sole authority in the field of dermatology recognized by Philippine Medical Association is the Philippine Dermatological Society. It is composed of over 1,000 board certified members who underwent the prescribed standard training in the specialty of dermatology.  

Dr. Jamora is a CMI dermatologist and a member of Philippine Dermatological Society. To have your skin checked by Dr. Jamora or any of our board-certified dermatologists, call us at 02. 8812. 1CMI | 02. 8816 .1035 – 36 or email us at experience@cminternationale.com