SKIN - THE VITAL ORGAN V’s A CANVAS FOR BEAUTY.

In the ever evolving world of skincare trends come and go. All the while promising radiant, flawless skin. From dermaplaning treatments to the pursuit of ‘glass skin’ we're often lured by aesthetic and cultural standards that dictate what beauty should look like. Amidst the allure of these trends however, it's crucial to pause and consider whether they truly align with what our skin needs as a vital organ.

Dermaplaning, commonly marketed as creating baby smooth skin by removing peach fuzz and dead skin cells has gained immense popularity in recent years. Aesthetically a hair free face is often perceived as more youthful and polished. However, from a scientific standpoint our skin's peach fuzz serves a purpose beyond aesthetics.

Peach fuzz, technically known as vellus hair, may seem insignificant but it plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. These fine hairs help regulate temperature, provide protection against environmental pollutants, and assist in the distribution of natural oils produced by the skin. Stripping away this layer can compromise the skin's barrier function, leading to increased sensitivity and potential irritation.

While dermaplaning may offer temporary smoothness, it's essential to weigh the long term effects on skin health against short term beautification.

The glass skin trend that is seen all over tiktok glorifies a complexion that appears luminous, poreless, translucent and 'glass like'. Achieving this aesthetic often involves an array of intensive treatments and products aimed at refining skin texture and tone.

The quest for glass skin can sometimes come at a cost to skin health. Many of the products and treatments required to achieve this look may cause inflammation and compromise the skin's natural balance. Ingredients like harsh chemical exfoliants and retinoids, when overused or misapplied can trigger irritation, redness, and even damage the skin's protective barrier. Ironically, what may appear as a radiant glow could be masking underlying inflammation and sensitivity.

In our pursuit for skin perfection, it's easy to overlook the remarkable functions of our skin as an organ. Beyond its role as a canvas for beauty trends, our skin serves as a protective barrier. Shielding us from environmental aggressors, regulating body temperature and facilitating sensory experiences.

Pores, often vilified in our pursuit of flawless skin, are essential openings that allow sebum, sweat, and other substances to reach the surface while maintaining hydration and thermoregulation. While enlarged pores can be a cosmetic concern, they are a natural part of our skin's structure, necessary for its overall health and function.

Similarly, pigmentation, in the form of melanin, serves as our skin's built in defence mechanism against harmful UV radiation. Far from just determining our skin tone, melanin acts as a shield absorbing and dispersing UV rays to prevent DNA damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Understanding and appreciating the multifaceted functions of our skin encourages us to approach skincare/ skin treatments with a newfound perspective. When finding yourself confused in the world of skincare, return to basics and remember that our skin like any other organ, requires support and nourishment to thrive.