In order to maintain your skin’s protective barrier, dermatologists are adamant that you must hydrate and nourish it on a daily basis. Therefore, in this article, we have selected some useful tips on how you can support your skin immunity so that frequent washing and the use of disinfectants do not weaken it.
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What is the role of the skin in the human body?
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and one of its functions is to act as a protective barrier against foreign bodies, viruses, and bacteria. Besides their role as a mechanical barrier, the skin and the mucous membranes are also actively involved in the body’s immune response. The fulfillment of this function is aided by specific “signaling” cells and molecules – the Langerhans cells in the epidermis, the lymphocytes and the “killer cells” in the dermis, as well as the active immune “centers” such as the lymph nodes in the deep cutaneous and subcutaneous layers.
What is the function of the Langerhans cells?
The Langerhans cells monitor the environment of the skin and identify the situations that threaten it. They alert the immune system to all identified foreign materials and collect information about them. Then, the body reacts by sending out the corresponding cells that fight off these invaders.
What do the lymphocytes do?
The lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells, which help the immune system fight off cancer and foreign viruses and bacteria (antigens). They help the organism remember every antigen its immune system comes in contact with, and in subsequent encounters, they recognize the antigen and trigger a quick immune response to it.
What functions do the “natural killer cells” perform?
The “natural killer cells” are another type of white blood cells, that destroy infected cells and cancer cells in your body even without prior exposure to the particular pathogens. In the body, they scan the cells for markers that indicate the cells as healthy or diseased. If they recognise a harmful cell, they release deadly chemicals into it to kill it.
An intriguing fact is that the skin and the mucous membranes also have their own local immunity – beneficial bacteria that produce natural disinfectants and inhibit the development of disease-causing bacteria. This natural protection is also supported by the release of specific substances – the sweat and the sebaceous glands produce a secretion that constitutes the hydrolipidic protective layer of the skin. The tears wash away and neutralise the pathogens that enter the eyes, the cilia of the nasal mucosa block and expel the irritants with the secretions through their movement, and the saliva in the oral cavity also acts as a natural disinfectant.
How to protect your skin from over-washing or over-disinfection
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic situation in recent years, we are all still trying to adhere to the basic precautions for purely mechanical protection on a daily basis – we wear masks and gloves and we frequently wash our hands and disinfect the surfaces in our immediate surroundings.
The skin suffers various damages as a result of frequent washing and disinfection, therefore the use of moisturising and nourishing skin products has become imperative. If you have not selected a specialised product for yourself yet, coconut oil or olive oil are also great alternatives.
Thermal water
Perhaps few of you know that thermal water is a superb remedy for flushing the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat. Now is the time for you to use the bottles of thermal water not only as a refreshment but also for a very practical purpose – to flush your mucous membranes. All types of thermal water can be sprayed into the eyes, nose, and throat, and some of them, which have a higher salinity, also act as disinfectants. Having healthy and beautiful skin is not an impossible mission, even at home, but in order to put together all the pieces of the puzzle, you need to be consistent and disciplined with your food and fluid intake, as well as with your sleep and cosmetic care.
A balanced diet
Opt for fruits rich in antioxidants (pomegranates, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, blackcurrants) and vegetables, especially leafy greens: nettle, spinach, sweet potatoes, broccoli, sauerkraut, etc.
Fluids
Be sure to drink a sufficient amount of fluids – at least 30 ml/kg of water daily, freshly squeezed juices, teas – green, chamomile, mint, ginger, eucalyptus, thyme, cinnamon, lime, plantain.
A regular and sufficient sleep
6 to 8 hours of sleep is sufficient for adults, and the bedtime and wake-up routine is also crucial – the experts advise that they should happen around the same times.
Appropriate cosmetics
Depending on your age, the season, the condition of your skin, and its individual needs, you can consult a specialist about which cosmetics would be the most effective for you. And if you are an oil admirer, here are some general guidelines: for oily skin – almond, eucalyptus, cedar, or rosemary oil; for dry skin – warmed sesame, carnation, jasmine, or rose oil; for sensitive skin – mint, chamomile, lemon balm, or juniper oil.
Anti-stress activities
Do not skip your daily gymnastics at home, with or without using weights (if you do not have weights, water bottles of various sizes are an ideal substitute for dumbbells). Relax, but completely, without extraneous noises, meditate, and indulge in all your favourite activities, for which you could not find the time before.
Each and every element is important to maintain your health, beauty, and mood. Take care and stay healthy!