5 Environmental Factors That Contribute to Thinning Skin

Taking care of your skin plays a significant role in influencing your overall health and wellness, especially as you age. While genetics may be one of the biggest determiners of how soon you begin to show signs of aging, including thinning skin, there are other external elements that can influence the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Environmental factors, as well as how you care for your body, significantly affect signs of aging, as does taking a proactive approach to skincare and well-being.

At Bloo Pharmapeutica, we know that healthy skin is important for well-being, confidence, and comfort at any age. Below, we’ll discuss some of the most common environmental factors that can lead to thin skin and signs of aging. Read on to learn more. 

Why Thin Skin Awareness Matters 

Thin skin is more than an annoyance that can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines as people age. In addition to contributing to changing physical appearance, thin skin can pose health risks due to the increased likelihood of rips, tears, and extensive bruising. The outer layer of the skin serves as an important protective measure for the body, and, once compromised, leaves you vulnerable to infection and lingering damage that can cause significant discomfort. Knowing the various external risks that may lead to skin damage (and thin skin in particular) is a key part of proactively protecting yourself and avoiding pain and discomfort later in life.

Some of the most prevalent environmental factors that lead to thinning skin include: 

Sun Exposure

There are a wide variety of health defects that result from excessive sun exposure without adequate protection, including photoaging, skin cancer, and thinning skin. Sun exposure causes damage due to the ability of UV radiation to penetrate the outer dermis and affect collagen and elastin fibres, which are crucial for maintaining skin thickness and elasticity. Over time, this can accelerate the aging process and lead to further health problems such as those mentioned above. 

To avoid health detriments from sun exposure, it’s crucial to wear sunscreen any time you expect to be outdoors for prolonged periods (even if it’s not ‘sunny’ outside!) and to wear adequate clothing that covers your skin, especially during peak hours. 

Pollution

Environmental pollutants can penetrate the skin barrier, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress, which contribute to collagen degradation and thinning skin. Air pollution, including particulate matter (microscopic solid or liquid particles in the air), ozone, and toxic gases, have become a significant concern for skin health in urban environments, with research indicating they may cause a variety of health concerns. While, as individuals, there’s little one can do to avoid exposure to pollution, you can help reduce its lingering effects on your skin by implementing a skincare routine that incorporates antioxidant products and cleansing solutions that thoroughly remove pollutants. It’s also important to focus on creating and maintaining a healthy skin barrier that’s prepared to take on environmental factors to the best of its ability. 

Did you know? Studies suggest that Methylene Blue, like the compounds found in Aqua Miraculorum, may be beneficial for skincare thanks to its antioxidant properties!

Smoking

It is commonly known how detrimental smoking is for the lungs and mouth, but many may not realize the harm it also causes to overall skin health. Nicotine and the free radicals in cigarettes and other tobacco products constrict blood vessels, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin, leading to oxidative stress and premature aging by degrading elastin and accelerating the breakdown of collagen beneath the skin. 

Quitting smoking is essential to improving your overall health and wellness, and can play a significant role in slowly premature signs of aging. 

Harsh Weather Conditions

Extreme weather conditions, from scathingly hot summers to frigid winters, compromise the skin barrier, which leaves individuals vulnerable to thinning skin and advanced signs of aging. Cold, dry air strips the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and dehydration, while hot, humid conditions can exacerbate oiliness and pore congestion. Investing in a skincare routine that incorporates adequate moisturizing and protection is essential to decreasing the chance of premature damage and early signs of aging. 

 Blue Light Exposure

With so much of our day to day routines revolving around screens and digital devices, it’s no wonder that blue light exposure has started to lead to eye strain and an increase in headaches for those chronically exposed. What you may notknow, however, is that there is strong evidence that blue light can also trigger oxidative stress and disrupt our skin’s natural repair process. To minimize the effects of blue light on your skin, consider using blue light-blocking screen protectors, taking regular breaks from screens, and incorporating antioxidant-rich skincare products into your routine. 

Tackle Environmental Stressors with the Help of Bloo Pharmapeutica and Aqua Miraculorum

Environmental stressors can be tricky to combat, but with a proactive and knowledge based approach, you can help prevent excessive damage that leads to thinning skin and other signs of aging. At Bloo Pharmapeutica, we’re proud to help you feel your best in your skin at every age, and to offer our game-changing Aqua Miraculorum product. Aqua Miraculorum provides hydration and nourishment to the skin, promoting elasticity and resilience. Our easy to use, in-bath method allows you to relax in comfort and care for your skin with peace of mind.  Learn more here, and by contacting our team today!