The skin is the largest organ in the human body and works as a protective barrier against external hazards and the loss of integrity of this barrier can lead to serious disability and severe consequences.

Components that help in skin protection are substances that can contribute to defending the skin from environmental damage and maintaining its health. Here are some example

• Sunscreen. Protects the skin from UV ray damage, preventing sunburn and premature aging (1).
• Antioxidants. Such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, protect the skin from free radicals and oxidative stress (2).
• Hyaluronic Acid. Helps maintain skin hydration, making it more resilient and less prone to damage.
• Probiotics. Help strengthen the skin microbiome, improving the skin's resistance to external factors.

• Ceramides. Lipids that help maintain the skin barrier, protecting the skin from irritants and infections (3).
• Aloe Vera. Has soothing and moisturizing properties that can help protect and repair damaged skin.
• Natural Oils. Like coconut oil and argan oil, provide a protective barrier and nourish the skin.
• Green Tea. Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental damage.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Found in fatty fish and flaxseeds, can reduce inflammation and protect the skin.
• Zinc. A mineral that can help protect the skin and promote healing.

The reports  provided on Tiiips website are for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.

The most common skin diseases are: eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo. In addition, irritations caused by UV rays.

Components that can contribute to or exacerbate skin problems include various factors that can damage the skin or worsen existing skin conditions. Here are some examples

• UV Rays. Excessive sun exposure can damage the skin, causing premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
• Environmental Pollutants. Exposure to pollutants like cigarette smoke and exhaust gases can damage the skin and accelerate aging.
• Alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and negatively affect its protective barrier.
• Poor Diet. A diet lacking in essential nutrients can lead to unhealthy, lackluster skin.
• Stress. Chronic stress can negatively impact skin health, causing issues like acne and eczema.
• Harsh Chemicals. Some skincare products containing harsh ingredients can irritate and damage the skin.
• Cigarette Smoke. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the skin, contributing to premature aging and the appearance of wrinkles.
• Lack of Sleep. Insufficient sleep can affect skin regeneration and lead to a tired, aged appearance.
• Excessive Cleansing. Washing the skin too frequently or with too harsh products can strip away natural oils and damage the skin barrier.
• Exposure to Cold and Wind. Extreme weather conditions can dry out and irritate the skin.

References________________________________________________________________________

(1) Gasparro FP. Sunscreens, skin photobiology, and skin cancer: the need for UVA protection and evaluation of efficacy. Environ Health Perspect. 2000 Mar;108 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):71-8. doi: 10.1289/ehp.00108s171. PMID: 10698724; PMCID: PMC1637776.

Abstract. Sunscreens are ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-absorbing chemicals that attenuate the amount and nature of UVR reaching viable cells in the skin. They are selected and tested for their ability to prevent erythema. No sunscreen prevents photodamage, as it has been demonstrated that suberythemal doses of UVR cause a variety of molecular changes (including DNA damage) in these cells. Furthermore, the spectrum of UVR reaching viable cells is altered by topically applied sunscreen. In this review, the basic aspects of sunscreens and skin photobiology are reviewed briefly. Although there can be no question concerning the efficacy of sunscreens for the prevention of erythema, questions remain because of the possible cumulative effects of chronic suberythemal doses and the increased exposure of skin cells to longer UVR wavelengths. The current major issue surrounding sunscreens involves their ability to protect skin cells against the effects of UVA radiation. These UVA effects may be direct damage (base oxidations) or effects on the skin immune system, yet there is no uniformly accepted method for the evaluation of UVA protection. This review is focused primarily on the latter topic covering action spectra that implicate the need for UVA protection. In addition, in vivo and in vitro methods proposed for the evaluation of candidate sunscreen formulations of UVA protective ability are reviewed. Finally, revisions in the terminology used to describe the protection afforded by sunscreens are suggested. It is proposed that SPF ("sun" protection factor) be renamed "sunburn" protection factor and that "critical wavelength" be designated "long wave index."

(2) Petruk G, Del Giudice R, Rigano MM, Monti DM. Antioxidants from Plants Protect against Skin Photoaging. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Aug 2;2018:1454936. doi: 10.1155/2018/1454936. 

Abstract. Exposure to UV light triggers the rapid generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin cells, with consequent increase in oxidative stress and thus in photoaging. Exogenous supplementation with dietary antioxidants and/or skin pretreatment with antioxidant-based lotions before sun exposure might be a winning strategy against age-related skin pathologies. In this context, plants produce many secondary metabolites to protect themselves from UV radiations and these compounds can also protect the skin from photoaging. Phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and carotenoids, derived from different plant species, are able to protect the skin by preventing UV penetration, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and influencing several survival signalling pathways. In this review, we focus our attention on the double role of oxidants in cell metabolism and on environmental and xenobiotic agents involved in skin photoaging. Moreover, we discuss the protective role of dietary antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and report their antiaging properties related to the reduction of oxidative stress pathways.

(3) Novotný J, Hrabálek A, Vávrová K. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of skin ceramides. Curr Med Chem. 2010;17(21):2301-24. doi: 10.2174/092986710791331068. 

Abstract. Ceramides are a complex group of lipids that has gained much attention as cell signaling molecules and skin barrier constituents. In the skin, these sphingolipids form a major part of the stratum corneum intercellular lipid matrix, which is the barrier for penetration of most compounds. The development of such a protective layer was a critical step in the evolution of life on a dry land. Moreover, prominent skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are associated with diminished ceramide levels and may be effectively improved by exogenous ceramides or their analogues. Since ceramides are not obtained from natural sources in pure form, they are of synthetic interest since 1950's. In this review, we describe sphingosine syntheses from 1998 until 2008, and the synthetic approaches to the unique epidermal ceramides, including the 6-hydroxysphingosine-based ones, the alpha- and omega-hydroxy forms and the omega-acyloxy species. Moreover, the structural requirements of ceramides for a competent skin barrier are discussed, including acyl chain length, trans double bond, acyl alpha-hydroxyl, stereochemistry, omega-linoleyloxy species and ceramide conformation.