Your skin is the human body's largest organ and is one of the most important defenses your body has against the many viruses, fungi and bacteria that can cause disease and infection. With so many processes keeping the skin healthy, and so much of the skin exposed to the environment, it is not uncommon for skin problems to occur.
Acne
One of the most common skin problems that you can develop is acne. Acne can be caused by a variety of reason including irregular skin shedding, overproduction of sebum oil and bacteria. Acne can vary in severity from simple comedones (such as a blackhead) to seriously inflamed and infected nodules or cysts.
Eczema
Eczema is a rash-like condition that can also target the skin. Eczema typically stems from an allergic reaction to irritants that have touched the skin. Depending on the severity, eczema can cause anything from simple dryness and itching to serious inflammation and clear skin blisters.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is another common skin problem. Dry skin occurs when the outermost layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum, is unable to hold the moisture it needs to stay soft and flexible. This can lead to rough and peeling skin. Dry skin can be caused by several elements, including exposure to dry winter air or evaporation of moisture from wind exposure. The natural aging process can also cause dry skin as the breakdown of collagen and elastin thins the skin, making it more difficult for the skin to retain moisture.
Photoaging
Photoaging is the premature aging of the skin from excess exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun or tanning beds. As the radiation penetrates skin, it damages the collagen and elastin fibers that give skin structure. As these fibers wear down, fine lines, wrinkles and drooping skin occur. Too much exposure to the damaging effects of this radiation can also contribute to the development of age spots or skin cancer.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that results in the development of red, rough-looking scales on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis is caused by an auto-immune disease that causes the white blood cells of your immune system to mistake skin cells for invading cells. The other parts of your immune system respond to this attack by activating inflammation and the overproduction of new skin cells to replace the damaged one. This overproduction of cells results in the thick scaly affected areas of skin.
