It protects, feels, regulates, and is constantly renewing itself – and yet we often only notice our skin when it feels tight, itches, or changes. As the largest organ of the human body, it forms the boundary between our body and the outside world, taking on a surprisingly large number of tasks in the process.
But what actually makes our skin so resilient? Why does it sometimes become dry or sensitive – and what factors influence how it looks and feels?
What we see of our skin is only its outermost layer. In fact, it consists of several levels that perform different tasks and work closely together.
Every day, our skin comes into contact with water, clothing, sunlight, cold, heat, and numerous substances from our environment. At the same time, it helps to protect the body from external influences and excessive water loss.
The skin barrier plays an important part in this. Put simply, you can imagine it like a wall: horny cells form the "bricks," while skin lipids fill the spaces between them. Together, they make it difficult for unwanted substances to penetrate and prevent too much water from being lost through the skin.
If this barrier is impaired, it can be noticeable through symptoms such as dry, rough, tight, or sensitive skin.
Through nerve endings, we perceive touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. Sweat production and changes in skin blood flow help regulate body temperature. Vitamin D can also be produced in the skin under the influence of UVB radiation.
No skin remains the same for a lifetime. Predisposition, age, and hormonal changes influence factors such as the skin's moisture, oil production, elasticity, and appearance.
At the same time, our environment also leaves its mark. UV radiation is particularly significant. Repeated UV exposure contributes to premature skin aging and increases the risk of skin cancer. Smoking can also promote visible skin aging.
How quickly changes appear is individual. Wrinkles, pigment changes, or drier skin are therefore not solely linked to a specific age, but arise from an interplay of various internal and external factors.
When it comes to sun protection, many people think of sunscreen first. It is important – but only one part of the protection. Shade and clothing help to reduce the skin's UV exposure. On exposed areas of skin, a suitable sunscreen complements the protection.
On the packaging, we encounter the sun protection factor, or SPF. It primarily describes protection against UVB radiation, which is significantly involved in the development of sunburn. A higher SPF provides higher protection – but only if the product is applied sufficiently and correctly.
Therefore, a sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. For exposed skin, the Swiss Cancer League recommends a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. A higher SPF can be useful, especially during periods of high UV exposure.
The amount is also crucial. If sunscreen is applied too sparingly, the stated protection is not achieved. Ears, nose, neck, shoulders, tops of the feet, and other easily forgotten areas should also be protected.
A high SPF is not a free pass for an unlimited stay in the sun. Reapplying is important – especially after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. However, it does not indefinitely extend the possible time spent in the sun.
The UV index shows how intense the UV radiation is on a given day. The higher the value, the stronger the UV radiation and the more important appropriate protective measures are. One should not be fooled by the temperature alone: UV radiation can also be relevant on cooler or cloudy days.
A few notions persist stubbornly around the sun, tanning, and sun protection. Time for a quick fact check.
Tanned skin does have a certain natural self-protection, but this is limited. Even skin that is already tanned can get a sunburn. Tanning is a reaction of the skin to UV radiation and does not make further UV exposure harmless. Sun protection therefore remains important even with tanned skin.
Shade reduces UV exposure but does not protect completely. UV radiation can be scattered and reflected by, for example, water, sand, or other surfaces. Depending on the situation, additional protective measures are therefore also sensible in the shade.
UV radiation reaches the Earth's surface even with a cloudy sky. Clouds can change the exposure, but they do not offer reliable protection. The current UV index provides better orientation than looking at the sky.
Even a high SPF does not offer complete protection. Furthermore, the stated protection is only achieved if enough sunscreen is applied evenly. Reapplying is important, for example after swimming, sweating, or toweling off – but it does not indefinitely extend the possible time spent in the sun.
Skincare doesn't have to be complicated. Sensitive or dry skin in particular often benefits from gentle cleansing. Very hot water and heavily degreasing products can put additional strain on the skin. For dry skin, a suitable replenishing or moisturizing product can help keep the skin supple.
General lifestyle is also part of the big picture. A varied diet provides the body with numerous nutrients. For some of these, there are recognized links to the skin: Among other things, biotin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin A, and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal skin.
These nutrients occur naturally in various foods. There is therefore no single "skin food" – a varied and balanced diet is what is decisive.
Our skin is constantly changing and many changes are harmless. Nevertheless, it is worth knowing your own skin and paying attention to new or unusual changes.
Pigmented spots, in particular, that change in size, shape, or color, as well as areas of skin that bleed repeatedly or do not heal, should be assessed by a doctor. Persistent severe itching, recurring rashes, or significantly inflamed skin can also be a reason for dermatological clarification.
A change in the skin cannot always be safely assessed by its appearance alone. New, conspicuous, or changing areas of skin should therefore be clarified medically if there is uncertainty.
Our skin works around the clock: it delimits the body from the environment, helps with temperature regulation, and enables us to feel our surroundings.
It doesn't need much for this in everyday life: reasonable handling of the sun, care that suits it, and attention when something changes.
The outer areas of the skin form a barrier between the body and the environment. Especially the horny layer with its horny cells and lipids helps to keep water in the skin and makes it difficult for external substances to penetrate.
Dry skin can have many causes. These include, for example, dry air, frequent washing, unsuitable cleaning products, age, and individual predisposition. Persistently very dry, itchy, or inflamed skin should be clarified medically.
The sun protection factor primarily describes protection against UVB radiation. SPF 50 offers higher protection than SPF 30. It is crucial, however, that the sunscreen is applied sufficiently and evenly. Even a high SPF does not replace shade and protective clothing.
Yes. An existing tan offers only limited natural self-protection. Even tanned skin can be damaged by UV radiation and develop a sunburn. Sun protection therefore remains important.
These include, among others, biotin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin A, and zinc. A varied and balanced diet provides these and many other nutrients.
New or conspicuous areas of skin, changing pigmented spots, repeatedly bleeding or non-healing areas, as well as persistent severe itching or inflammatory skin changes should be assessed medically if there is uncertainty.
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Information on nutrients refers to their normal physiological functions and not to the prevention, treatment, or cure of diseases. In case of conspicuous or persistent skin changes, please consult a medical professional.
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Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
