What is the Exposome?

Since we are born we are exposed to external factors that affect our skin. As Dr. Agustín Viera, coordinating dermatologist at Ivalia Clínica Dermatológica, explains, there are environmental factors or certain lifestyle habits that can cause skin problems.

The Exposome, a term coined in 2005, refers to all those factors that affect our skin.

The genome is the genetic information we inherit and is responsible for 25% of chronic diseases. The remaining 75% is due to external, internal and environmental factors… Solar radiation, diet, stress, pollution, smoking and lack of sleep all have an influence and are reflected in our skin.

The impact of sunlight on the skin

Solar radiation is made up of an electromagnetic spectrum of ultraviolet rays, visible light and infrared rays that damage our skin. This radiation has a greater impact on the area most exposed to sunlight and is therefore more damaged than the internal area.

Solar radiation ages us. In fact, it is responsible for almost 70% of the aging we see, for pigmentation disorders and the skin is more sensitive to external aggressions.

Causes of pollution and smoking on the skin

In Europe, 97% of cities have a pollution index higher than that recommended by the World Health Organization. In Spain there are 37 cities with a very high index.

The data show that pollution is the fourth cause of mortality and 34 million premature deaths are caused by pollution. It is not surprising, since pollution affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, but also the skin. It causes pigmentation, aging, dermatitis, urticaria, irritations and increases oil production.

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As for tobacco, every time we inhale tobacco smoke some 3,800 chemical principles influence the skin from the outside and inside, as it alters the vascularization of the skin and other organs and decreases healing.

Nutrition has a clear reflection on the skin

Currently, there are no studies showing that supplementation, when there is no deficiency, is necessary. What is recommended is a healthy diet: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats, vegetable oils.

How sleep affects the skin

It has been proven that sleeping less than 5 hours leads to cardiovascular problems, cancer and aging.

On the other hand, it refers to stress and points out that there is a connection between the brain and the skin that results in the release of neurotransmitters. In the end we are talking about two fundamental causes. One is the production of free radicals, which are unstable molecules secondary to the release of oxygen and which cause skin cells to become altered. All this causes silent inflammation. We age because we get sick and oxidize.

By taking care of ourselves in a holistic way and having regular check-ups with a dermatology specialist, we will be much better off. “This does not prevent us from using the right cosmetics that moisturize, protect and renew the skin. This way our skin, which is a barrier organ, will be in better condition.”