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Last report from Clinique...
Answer: Skin possesses a natural level of immunity to environmental damage. However, the challenges of the modern environment can overwhelm its defenses. Scientists are intrigued by approaches that might restore that inborn level.
How does the environment damage skin?
Most damage is done by UV rays. They pass through the paper-thin epidermis and strike underlying cells, causing the release of free radicals. These highly reactive forms of oxygen attack cell functions. UV-damaged cells can replicate and harm neighboring cells.
Why is UV exposure so harmful?
UV exposure can suppress skin's normal immune response. Within hours of UV exposure and for several days afterwards, skin's defenses are weakened. A weakened immune system can be overwhelmed by environmental aggressors and UV-damaged cells.
How do I protect my skin's immune system?
UV protection would be the most effective and practical defense. Dermatologists recommend wearing the most advanced, high-level SPF (Sun Protection Factor) available. But a growing number warn that SPF alone is not enough.
Why isn't SPF enough?
The SPF rating system was developed to measure a sunscreen's ability to protect skin from sunburn, caused by UVB rays. Scientists now know that UVA rays, while they don't cause sunburn, can significantly harm your skin. Another reason for concern: 95% of the sunlight reaching the Earth's surface is UVA.
How can I get UVA protection?
Researchers are working on a ratings system for UVA comparable to SPF. The phrase "Immunity Protection Factor" (IPF) has been linked to UVA protection, underscoring the importance of immune system defense to skin health. For now, wear SPF sunscreens with UVA-blocking ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and look for IPF products in the future.
How would IPF protection work?
It would provide enhanced UVA protection to shield Langerhans Cells and other internal skin structures from the full spectrum of solar radiation. Scientists are also studying the use of antioxidants such as green tea, grape and grape seed oil ingredients to neutralize free radicals within the skin. Theoretically, this total package of protection would go a long way toward bolstering skin's immunity to environmental damage.
Can you avoid immune system suppression?
Possibly. New and promising research focuses on technologies to maintain the skin's immune system during UV exposure and help a UV-suppressed system recover sooner after exposure.
Could skin be made resistant to aging, too?
Yes, at least to photoaging, the premature wrinkling and discolouration caused by UV damage. Researchers speculate that an aggressive, across-the-board SPF and IPF protection strategy supplemented by antioxidants could help skin maintain and even improve its resistance to such UV-induced aging.
What's my best option?
For your skin's overall condition and appearance, develop healthy routines to address factors under your control—UV exposure, stress, lifestyle. And stay abreast of new developments.
Why is the modern environment a problem for skin?
Skin is exposed to greater stress than it is equipped to handle. Harmful chemicals, a diminished ozone layer and modern lifestyles can compromise skin's ability to cope with damage.
Why is the skin's immune system so important?
Skin is the body's first line of defense against external and internal threats. In addition to providing a physical barrier to keep out most bacteria, viruses and chemicals, skin's immune system plays a vital, active role in responding to environmental invaders.
Answer: Skin possesses a natural level of immunity to environmental damage. However, the challenges of the modern environment can overwhelm its defenses. Scientists are intrigued by approaches that might restore that inborn level.
How does the environment damage skin?
Most damage is done by UV rays. They pass through the paper-thin epidermis and strike underlying cells, causing the release of free radicals. These highly reactive forms of oxygen attack cell functions. UV-damaged cells can replicate and harm neighboring cells.
Why is UV exposure so harmful?
UV exposure can suppress skin's normal immune response. Within hours of UV exposure and for several days afterwards, skin's defenses are weakened. A weakened immune system can be overwhelmed by environmental aggressors and UV-damaged cells.
How do I protect my skin's immune system?
UV protection would be the most effective and practical defense. Dermatologists recommend wearing the most advanced, high-level SPF (Sun Protection Factor) available. But a growing number warn that SPF alone is not enough.
Why isn't SPF enough?
The SPF rating system was developed to measure a sunscreen's ability to protect skin from sunburn, caused by UVB rays. Scientists now know that UVA rays, while they don't cause sunburn, can significantly harm your skin. Another reason for concern: 95% of the sunlight reaching the Earth's surface is UVA.
How can I get UVA protection?
Researchers are working on a ratings system for UVA comparable to SPF. The phrase "Immunity Protection Factor" (IPF) has been linked to UVA protection, underscoring the importance of immune system defense to skin health. For now, wear SPF sunscreens with UVA-blocking ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and look for IPF products in the future.
How would IPF protection work?
It would provide enhanced UVA protection to shield Langerhans Cells and other internal skin structures from the full spectrum of solar radiation. Scientists are also studying the use of antioxidants such as green tea, grape and grape seed oil ingredients to neutralize free radicals within the skin. Theoretically, this total package of protection would go a long way toward bolstering skin's immunity to environmental damage.
Can you avoid immune system suppression?
Possibly. New and promising research focuses on technologies to maintain the skin's immune system during UV exposure and help a UV-suppressed system recover sooner after exposure.
Could skin be made resistant to aging, too?
Yes, at least to photoaging, the premature wrinkling and discolouration caused by UV damage. Researchers speculate that an aggressive, across-the-board SPF and IPF protection strategy supplemented by antioxidants could help skin maintain and even improve its resistance to such UV-induced aging.
What's my best option?
For your skin's overall condition and appearance, develop healthy routines to address factors under your control—UV exposure, stress, lifestyle. And stay abreast of new developments.
Why is the modern environment a problem for skin?
Skin is exposed to greater stress than it is equipped to handle. Harmful chemicals, a diminished ozone layer and modern lifestyles can compromise skin's ability to cope with damage.
Why is the skin's immune system so important?
Skin is the body's first line of defense against external and internal threats. In addition to providing a physical barrier to keep out most bacteria, viruses and chemicals, skin's immune system plays a vital, active role in responding to environmental invaders.
