Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Its functions include protecting us from environmental hazards, regulating body temperature, and providing sensory information like touch. As the National Institutes of Health puts it, “skin is the organ that comes in contact with the world.” Which means our skin is extremely vulnerable to all types of damage, some of which can have serious long-term consequences. As you continue to read, you will learn more about skin damage and how Any Lab Test Now® can help you take proactive steps to protect your skin.
The Dangers of Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is perhaps the most well-known causes of skin damage. If you’ve ever had a sunburn, you know the pain it can cause. The Ultraviolet (UV) radiation that causes the sunburn also causes long-term damage, like premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Types of Sunscreens
The risk of skin cancer is the number one reason to reach for the sunscreen before you head spend a good amount of time outside. There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical and physical (mineral) sunscreens.
- Chemical sunscreens: These contain organic compounds that absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. Chemical sunscreens are easier to apply and don’t leave a residue.
- Physical sunscreens: Otherwise known as mineral sunscreens, these contain active mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide. The lotion creates a physical barrier designed to reflect UV radiation away from the skin.
Experts advise, when choosing a sunscreen, look for one that offers broad-spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays) and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. When using sunscreen you should reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. The New York Times provides an annual list of the best sunscreen products.
The Consequences of Sunburns
The red, blistering, painful sunburn that often leads to peeling skin is your skin’s way of telling you that you’ve had too much UV radiation. While aloe vera or other sunburn remedies can help in the short term, the long-term consequences can be much more serious. The Skin Cancer Foundation warns that repeated sunburns significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Too much sun exposure also accelerates the skin’s aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
Other Contributors to Skin Damage
While sun exposure is a major factor in skin damage, it’s not the only one. Lifestyle choices can impact your skin health.
- Smoking is one of the most damaging habits for your skin. It reduces blood flow, depriving the skin of oxygen and essential nutrients and damaging collagen and elastin, the fibers you need to keep the elasticity in your skin.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the skin, leading to dryness and an increased likelihood of wrinkles.
- A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is essential for healthy skin. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E help protect the skin from damage and promote healing.
- Regular exercise boosts circulation, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin and promotes the production of collagen.
Skin Test at Any Lab Test Now®
To better understand your skin’s health and take proactive steps to protect it, consider using the Skin Vitality Panel Kit from Any Lab Test Now®. This comprehensive kit provides valuable insights into various factors that affect skin health, including vitamin levels, inflammation markers, and antioxidant capacity.
Your skin is rich in hormone receptor sites, especially on the face, which has a high concentration of estrogen receptors. As a result, the effects of declining hormones often first become noticeable on the face. Premature aging, unexplained skin rashes, breakouts, and excess facial or body hair can often be linked to undetected hormone imbalances.
Our take-home hormone kit includes a dried blood spot test to measure thyroid and Vitamin D levels, along with four saliva tests taken throughout the day to track peaks and troughs in steroid and adrenal hormone production. These tests can identify hormone imbalances that may contribute to skin issues.
Take Your Health into Your Hands
By understanding these key factors, you can make informed decisions about your skincare routine and lifestyle choices to improve and maintain the health of your skin. Protecting your skin from damage is essential for both its appearance and overall health.
Our Skin Vitality Panel kit is available for purchase both in-store and online. But we have thousands of lab tests for you and your family that can provide other health answers. You can check out our website for more and call to schedule an appointment at a location near you.
Remember, at Any Lab Test Now®, the lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them, whether that means consulting with your provider for further details or perhaps the results give you the answers you were seeking.
