How can we keep our skin healthy, and heal it when it's unwell?

On average, the skin is around two square meters in area and weighs between five and ten kilograms. For a long time, it was viewed primarily as a covering. But this multitalented organ is much more than that. It provides us with one of our senses, it can draw oxygen directly from the air, and it can even perceive sound waves and odor molecules.

Cosmetic procedures, social media pressure and skin health

The skin is also a status symbol, with smooth, wrinkle-free skin symbolizing youth, beauty and success. Countless experts offer advice, including recommending anti-aging products containing acids, bases, enzymes, vitamins, or proteins. But only a few cosmetics are truly worth it, says dermatologist Professor Claudia Borelli of the University Hospital in Tübingen, Germany. The same goes for the advice of many skincare influencers, who often promote their own interests on social media. So is it better to think twice before rushing to get cosmetic treatments?  

Over the past five years, procedures using Botox and hyaluronic acid have more than doubled. Borelli warns that poorly administered fillers can cause problems for years to come. Nevertheless, the clients of cosmetic doctors are getting younger and younger. Gaming streamer Jasmin Gnu had lip fillers in her early 20s — she now regrets that decision. She tells her fans that they don't have to chase the unattainable aesthetic ideals sold to them by the beauty filters used on social media.

The skin as a mirror of the soul

Meanwhile, the skin can also be seen as a window into the soul. Stress can make the skin sick, says psychodermatologist Professor Uwe Gieler. About a quarter of Germans suffer from skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, or allergies. With the help of an anti-inflammatory diet, new medications and therapy, there's a good chance of healing unhealthy skin.
 

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