Skin examination in extreme conditions

Extreme indoor and outdoor conditions in patients’ places of stay (hot or cold air and changes in humidity) lead to weakening of the lipid barrier function and disproportionate epidermal microbiota which results in a lower threshold of physical and chemical tolerance of the skin manifesting as erythema, burning, dryness and deterioration of skin condition. Chronic epidermal irritation caused by the above factors leads to discomfort and prevents the proper functioning of the skin, as it results in thickening of the epidermis, widening of the sebaceous glands and pigmentation disorders. Regenerative mechanisms preventing lipid peroxidation or carbonylation of skin cell proteins, including epidermis, are focused on restoring physiology and not on “fibroblast protection”, which can accelerate the loss of firmness. Taking into account the theory of free radical or telomeric aging, it may be stated that the skin exposed to extreme conditions ages faster. When faced with such a problem, it seems pointless to apply invasive rejuvenating treatments without prior diagnosis or acquiring basic knowledge of care and hygiene of the epidermis. Daily skin care and cosmetics play a key role in the anti-aging process. Hygiene and proper cosmetic habits are essential for health and youthful appearance of the skin. Appropriate regulatory exfoliation, or the so-called turnover of the epidermis, should be used so as not to generate excessive free radical stress. Antioxidants are necessary for this. Modern products based on a liquid crystal base compatible with the liquid crystal structure of epidermal cement together with active emollients allow for restoration of appropriate epidermis parameters. The method of exfoliation with selected ingredients enables long-term skin cleansing by accelerating the turnover of the epidermis without excessive free radical stress, drying and irritation.