The Skin Challenge Spectrum

The harmful effects of outdoor and indoor environments (air pollution, UVA/UVB, chemicals, etc.) are extensive. People who live in areas where there is more or less exposure to sun can affect their circadian rhythm of cell renewal. Effects on the skin include dryness, premature aging, skin rashes, eczema, poor or slow healing, and acne.

Hormonal changes due to menopause, pregnancy or birth control pills can cause various reactions. Skin type, sensitivity threshold, and scent or fragrance tolerance might change during these stages.

Some people have reactions to various stimuli (such as natural/artificial compounds, animals, greenery, foods, cleaning agents). If they come into contact with these stimuli, they can experience a range of mild to harsh skin reactions, or “allergic sensitization.” Conditions such as dermatitis and eczema can be the outcome of these reactions.

People dealing with health challenges frequently have very sensitive skin, from both the condition itself and the medications that treat it. Diseases that can affect the skin may be viral (shingles or roseola), gastric (celiac or Crohn’s), motor neuron (Lou Gehrig’s or Parkinson’s), metabolic (thyroid or diabetes), auto-immune (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma). Cancer and cancer treatments are known for their often severe effects on the skin. All of these health challenges can cause the skin to experience one or more of the following conditions: dryness, itchiness, inflammation, irritation, neuropathy, hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, rashes, blisters and sores.

Stress has an unfortunate cyclical relationship with the skin: stress causes skin problems and skin problems cause stress. Stress affects skin by aggravating skin conditions such as premature aging, eczema, psoriasis, acne, allergies and rashes.