¿Qué es el Exposoma?

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

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

The genome is the genetic information that we inherit and is responsible for 25% of chronic diseases. The remaining 75% is due to external, internal, environmental factors ... Solar radiation, food, stress, pollution, smoking or lack of sleep influence and everything is 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 in the area most exposed to sunlight, so it is more damaged than the internal one.

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

Causes of pollution and tobacco 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 suggest that pollution is the fourth cause of mortality and there are 34 million premature deaths due to pollution. It is not surprising, since pollution influences cardiovascular, respiratory but also in the skin. It produces pigmentation, aging, dermatitis, hives, irritations and increases the production of fat.

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 reduces scarring.

Nutrition has a clear reflection on the skin

Currently, there are no studies that show that supplementation, when there is no lack, is necessary. What is recommended is a healthy diet: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, non-fat meats, vegetable oils.

How sleep affects the skin

It is proven that sleep 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 causes skin cells to be altered. All this causes a silent inflammation. We grow old because we get sick and we get rusty.

Taking care of ourselves in an integral way and doing regular explorations with a specialist in Dermatology we will be much better. "This is not an obstacle that we can use the right cosmetics that hydrate, protect and renew the skin. So our skin, which is a barrier organ, will be in better condition. "