Skin Health and Integrity

The document from 2020 outlined the importance of skin integrity for overall health and the various factors that can compromise it, such as UV exposure, personal hygiene behaviors, systemic diseases, and aging. It described the skin's main functions, including protection and vitamin D production, and the challenges to skin health, particularly in early life and old age. The document also discussed the impact of environmental stressors like sun exposure, smoking, and irritants on skin conditions such as irritant contact dermatitis and dermatoporosis. It suggested measures to maintain skin integrity, including a balanced diet, UV protection, and the use of mild skin cleansers and moisturizers, as well as innovative interventions like vitamin C and retinoids. The document emphasized the professional responsibility to promote skin health, especially in vulnerable populations, to enhance quality of life.