How do you know the information and advice you get about your skin is true? Skin care product companies are trying to sell you their product. Your friends probably have as much medical knowledge as you do. Unfortunately, there are more than 10 skin myths that confuse people, but these are the most popular myths I've seen.
The skin is an ever-changing organ that contains many specialized cells and structures. The skin functions as a protective barrier that interfaces with a sometimes-hostile environment. It is also very involved in maintaining the proper temperature for the body to function well. It gathers sensory information from the environment, and plays an active role in the immune system protecting us from disease. Understanding how the skin can function in these many ways starts with understanding the structure of the 3 layers of skin - the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.
It is important to know how to recognize the early warning signs of malignant melanoma. Melanoma is the most deadly of all the skin cancers. It is estimated that 46,000 Americans will develop melanoma every year, and 7,700 Americans will die from melanoma every year.
Sunlight has a profound effect on the skin causing premature skin aging, skin cancer, and a host of skin changes. Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. Many skin changes that were commonly believed to be due to aging, such as easy bruising, are actually a result of prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
The Glogau classification system was developed to objectively measure the severity of photoaging and especially wrinkles. It helps practitioners pick the best procedures to treat photoaging.
Dark spots on the skin, also called hyperpigmentation, are a common skin problem especially beginning in middle age. There are a variety of conditions and agents that can cause dark spots to develop.
This comprehensive listing taken from various sources published in Cosmetic Dictionaries, Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical industry Catalogs and Cosmetic Dictionaries published on Internet.
