Why it matters
One can look picture-perfect, but have you looked closer? While some people have clear, taut, supple, and glowing skin, others don’t, especially up close. Aside from having a good set of features, skin quality also matters when it comes to attractiveness.
We all have a skin issue or two, whether having rough, dry, and dull skin, the presence of acne scars or an uneven skin tone, or wrinkles and fine lines, to name a few. These issues are the main elements that determine skin quality. A paper published by Goldie & Kerscher, et. al. (2021) had a global skin quality advisory board gathered and a strong consensus that good and healthy skin quality refers to skin with four Emergent Perceptual Qualities (EPCs), namely, taut and tight (skin firmness), smooth, clear, and scar-free (skin surface evenness), bright and radiant (skin glow), and even-toned (skin tone evenness).
Of course, your skin’s quality will depend on a lot of factors as well, like age, genetics, race or ethnicity, hormones, diet, stress, or even health-related conditions. Being pregnant, being under a lot of stress at work, taking certain medications, and getting older are examples of your skin quality may change at one point in time or another.
Fortunately, there are ways to improve your skin quality with today’s variety of treatments. Depending on your skin’s assessment, there may be a combination of these to effectively address your skin concerns and achieve your desired results.
Skin quality matters in a person’s overall wellbeing as it affects confidence, attractiveness, and how one interacts with other people.
These are some of the treatments Goldie & Kerscher, et. al. (2021) mentioned.
• Topicals, depending on their ingredients, can tackle several skin issues as they can exfoliate and renew the skin (retinoids, AHA/BHA), provide hydration (hyaluronic acid), hasten the healing of scars and spots (salicylic acid, vitamin C), and more.
• Peels can address several skin issues too, such as fine lines, dullness and discoloration, and scars.
• Fillers such as calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) can help improve skin tone and texture.
• Heat or energy treatments, such as ultrasound therapies, can help tone, tighten, and contour the skin.
• Botulinum toxin (Botox, Xeomin) injections can help with the appearance of wrinkles and lines.
At home, you can also help improve their skin quality by adopting any or all of these healthy habits.
• Drinking enough water. Water helps keep the body hydrated and promotes overall health.
• Getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can disrupt the skin’s repair process and affect skin aging.
• Exercising. Moving helps keep skin cells healthy and removes waste.
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking, which can deplete collagen faster, making wrinkles appear sooner.
• Eating healthy food. Green tea, Omega-3, and tomatoes are are great for keeping the skin healthy and hydrated.
• Practicing proper skin care habits. Avoid using too much product or using products that are too harsh for your skin. Ask your dermatologist about the best regimen for your skin type and needs. Also, always include sunscreen in your routine.
• Managing stress. Some of the ways to manage stress are getting enough rest, taking a break from time to time, and even talking to a loved one. Always find time to relax and unwind as it helps your physical and mental health.
You may not notice it, but skin quality matters in a person’s overall wellbeing as it affects confidence, attractiveness, and how one interacts with other people. If you want to address and improve your skin’s quality, make sure to go to a reputable clinic and a certified and trained dermatologist to help you determine the right treatment option for you.