Author: adminpiyawat

Effects of PM 2.5 on the Skin

PM 2.5 (Particulate Matter smaller than 2.5 microns) is an air pollutant that directly affects skin health. Due to its small size, PM 2.5 particles can penetrate through pores and enter the skin, causing the following issues:

1. Triggers inflammation and irritation – PM 2.5 particles induce skin inflammation by stimulating the release of inflammatory cytokines, leading to allergic reactions and skin redness.
2. Accelerates premature aging – PM 2.5 generates oxidative stress, which depletes collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and dull skin.
3. Stimulates abnormal melanin production – These small particles can trigger excess melanin production, causing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and melasma.
4. Weakens the skin barrier – PM 2.5 damages the lipid barrier, leading to dry, dehydrated skin that is more sensitive to irritants.
5. Promotes acne and clogged pores – Toxins in PM 2.5, such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons, stimulate sebaceous glands, leading to clogged pores and acne.

Benefits of Plant Extracts in Protecting and Restoring the Skin from PM 2.5

1. Plantago major Leaf Extract

• Has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes skin cell repair.
• Reduces irritation and restores the damaged skin barrier caused by PM 2.5.
• Contains antioxidants that help minimize cell damage from pollution.

2. Centella asiatica Leaf Extract

• Rich in Madecassoside and Asiaticoside, which reduce skin inflammation caused by PM 2.5.
• Stimulates collagen and elastin production, preventing premature aging.
• Helps restore dry and sensitive skin affected by pollutants.

3. Chamomilla recutita Flower Extract (Chamomile)

• Contains Apigenin and Bisabolol, which soothe the skin, reducing irritation and allergic reactions caused by PM 2.5.
• Reduces skin redness due to inflammation.
• Has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from pollution-induced damage.

4. Hamamelis virginiana Extract (Witch Hazel)

• Rich in Tannins and Flavonoids, which help tighten and soothe the skin while reducing inflammation caused by PM 2.5.
• Controls excess oil and minimizes pore congestion caused by pollutants.
• Tightens pores, giving the skin a smoother appearance.

5. Aloe barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe Vera)

• Contains Polysaccharides and Aloin, which increase moisture and soothe the skin.
• Repairs skin damaged by PM 2.5 exposure.
• Has antioxidant properties that minimize damage from sunlight and pollution.

6. Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Fenugreek Seed)

• Rich in antioxidants, including Flavonoids and Saponins, that protect the skin from pollutants.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce irritation from PM 2.5 exposure.
• Nourishes and restores skin hydration.

7. Zingiber montanum Extract (Plai)

• Contains Curcuminoids and Essential Oils, which help reduce inflammation and relieve skin irritation from PM 2.5.
• Enhances blood circulation in the skin, promoting a radiant and healthy complexion.
• Has antibacterial properties that reduce acne caused by clogged pores.

8. Phyllanthus emblica Extract (Indian Gooseberry / Amla)

• A natural source of vitamin C that fights oxidative stress from PM 2.5.
• Reduces dark spots, evens skin tone, and minimizes dullness caused by pollution.
• Prevents premature aging by neutralizing free radicals.

Conclusion

PM 2.5 has various detrimental effects on the skin, including inflammation, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and a weakened skin barrier. However, natural plant extracts such as Plantago major, Centella asiatica, Chamomilla recutita, Hamamelis virginiana, Aloe barbadensis, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Zingiber montanum extract and Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract can effectively protect the skin, reduce inflammation, boost hydration, and repair skin damage caused by pollution.

Incorporating skincare products containing these plant extracts, along with preventive measures like cleansing the face after outdoor exposure, can strengthen the skin and reduce the impact of PM 2.5 effectively.

头发和头皮是人体的重要组成部分，不仅影响外观，还能反映整体健康状况。了解头发和头皮的基本知识，有助于正确护理头发，预防脱发、头皮出油、头皮屑等常见问题。

头发的结构

发干（Hair Shaft）

头发主要由**角蛋白（Keratin）**组成，这是一种与指甲和皮肤相同的蛋白质。每根头发主要由三层结构组成：

1. 毛小皮（Cuticle） – 头发的最外层，由重叠的角质鳞片组成，保护内部结构免受紫外线、热损伤和化学物质的影响。如果毛小皮受损或张开，头发会变得干燥、毛躁和粗糙。

• 毛皮质（Cortex） – 头发的中层，由紧密排列的蛋白纤维组成，提供强度和弹性，并含有黑色素（Melanin），决定头发的颜色。

• 毛髓质（Medulla） – 头发的最内层，由蛋白质和脂肪构成的小管状结构组成，通常出现在粗壮或健康的头发中。

发根（Hair Root）

发根位于头皮下方，负责生成和替换脱落的头发。发根的主要组成部分包括：

1. 毛囊（Hair Follicle） – 深入真皮层的小孔，内部包含促进头发生长的关键结构。
2. 毛球（Hair Bulb） – 发根底部的圆形结构，包含基质细胞（Matrix Cells），这些细胞会不断分裂并成长为新的发丝。

头发生长周期

头发从头皮中的毛囊生长，并由血管和皮脂腺提供营养支持。头发生长周期主要分为三个阶段：

1. 生长期（Anagen Phase） – 头发持续生长，持续时间为 2-7 年。
2. 退行期（Catagen Phase） – 头发停止生长并与血液供应分离，持续时间约 2-3 周。
3. 休止期（Telogen Phase） – 旧发脱落，新发开始生长，持续时间约 2-4 个月。

头皮与皮脂腺功能

头皮含有皮脂腺（Sebaceous Gland），可分泌天然油脂，帮助维持头发的水分平衡。如果皮脂腺功能异常，可能导致以下问题：

1. 头皮过油 – 可能引起头皮屑、头发扁塌，甚至导致头皮长痘。
2. 头皮过干 – 可能导致瘙痒、脱屑或干性头皮屑。
3. 头皮炎症 – 可能由真菌感染、过敏反应或使用不适合的产品引起。

影响头发和头皮健康的因素

头发和头皮的健康受多种因素影响，包括：

1. 营养 – 缺乏铁、蛋白质、生物素（Biotin）和Omega-3 脂肪酸可能导致脱发和头发干枯。
2. 激素 – **雄激素（Androgen）**可能导致遗传性脱发，**雌激素（Estrogen）**水平下降（如更年期）也可能影响头发密度。
3. 压力和疾病 – 可能导致头发提前进入脱落期。
4. 化学物质和热损伤 – 频繁染发、烫发、拉直或使用高温造型工具可能导致头发受损、脆弱易断。
5. 清洁方式 – 过度洗发或使用不适合的洗发产品可能破坏头皮平衡。

正确的头发和头皮护理方法

要保持头发和头皮的健康，可以遵循以下护理方法：

1. 选择适合的洗发水和护发素 – 头皮敏感者应选择无硫酸盐（Sulfate-Free）、无香精（Fragrance-Free）、无化学防腐剂的产品。
2. 合理洗发 – 根据头皮状况和日常活动调整洗发频率，例如，如果经常出汗或接触灰尘，可以每天洗发。
3. 避免频繁使用化学产品 – 如果需要染发或使用化学护理产品，建议选择天然护发产品，减少刺激。
4. 保持健康饮食 – 摄取充足的蛋白质、维生素和矿物质，有助于头发健康生长。
5. 关注整体健康 – 适量运动、充足睡眠和良好的压力管理有助于维持健康的头皮环境。

总结

头发和头皮的健康不仅关系到外观，还影响整体生活质量。了解头发的结构、生长周期及影响因素，有助于选择合适的护理方式，确保头发强韧、光泽、无烦恼。

如果你正经历严重脱发、头发稀疏或头皮异常问题，建议咨询专业人士，获取针对性的护理建议和治疗方案。

Hair and scalp are essential parts of the body that not only contribute to appearance but also reflect overall health. Understanding the basics of hair and scalp care can help maintain healthy hair, prevent hair loss, oily scalp, dandruff, and other common issues.

Structure of Hair

Hair Shaft

Hair is composed of keratin, a type of protein also found in nails and skin. Each hair strand consists of three main layers:

1. Cuticle – The outermost layer, composed of overlapping scales that protect the inner hair structure from environmental damage such as sun exposure, heat, and chemicals. When these scales are lifted, hair appears rough, dry, and frizzy.
2. Cortex – The middle layer, containing tightly packed protein fibers that provide strength and flexibility. It also houses melanin, which determines hair color.
3. Medulla – The innermost layer, consisting of small hollow structures made of protein and fat. It is typically found in thick or healthy hair strands.

Hair Root

The hair root is the part located beneath the scalp, responsible for generating and producing new hair to replace shed strands. The root consists of two main components:

1. Hair Follicle – A small pocket embedded deep in the dermis, housing structures essential for hair growth.
2. Hair Bulb – A rounded structure at the base of the follicle containing matrix cells, which divide and grow to form new hair strands.

Hair Growth Cycle

Hair grows from the follicle embedded in the scalp, supported by blood vessels and sebaceous glands. The hair growth cycle consists of three main phases:

1. Anagen Phase (Growth Phase) – The active growth stage, lasting 2-7 years.
2. Catagen Phase (Transition Phase) – A short period (about 2-3 weeks) where hair stops growing and detaches from its blood supply.
3. Telogen Phase (Resting Phase) – Lasting 2-4 months, this is when old hair sheds and new hair starts to grow in its place.

Scalp and Sebaceous Gland Function

The scalp contains sebaceous glands, which produce natural oils to keep hair moisturized. If these glands malfunction, it can lead to various scalp issues, such as:

• Oily Scalp – Can cause dandruff, limp hair, and even scalp acne.
• Dry Scalp – Leads to itchiness, flaking, and dry dandruff.
• Inflamed Scalp – May result from fungal infections, allergies, or unsuitable hair products.

Factors Affecting Hair and Scalp Health

Several factors influence the health of hair and scalp, including:

1. Nutrition – Deficiencies in iron, protein, biotin, and omega-3 can cause hair loss and dryness.
2. Hormones – Androgen hormones (e.g., testosterone) contribute to genetic hair loss, while estrogen decline (e.g., menopause) can also affect hair density.
3. Stress and Illness – Can push hair into the shedding phase prematurely.
4. Chemical and Heat Exposure – Frequent hair coloring, perming, straightening, and high-heat styling can weaken and damage hair.
5. Hair Washing Routine – Overwashing or using inappropriate shampoos can disrupt scalp balance.

Proper Hair and Scalp Care

To maintain a healthy scalp and strong hair, follow these guidelines:

1. Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner – Those with sensitive scalps should opt for sulfate-free, fragrance-free, and chemical preservative-free formulas.
2. Wash Hair Properly – Adjust frequency based on scalp condition and daily activities (e.g., wash daily if exposed to sweat and pollution).
3. Avoid Excessive Chemical Treatments – If necessary, use natural-based products to reduce irritation.
4. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet – Consume protein, vitamins, and minerals that promote hair health.
5. Maintain Overall Health – Exercise regularly, get enough rest, and manage stress effectively.

Conclusion

Hair and scalp health is essential for both appearance and overall well-being. Understanding the structure, growth cycle, and key influencing factors allows for better hair care choices. By maintaining proper scalp hygiene, using suitable products, and following a balanced lifestyle, you can achieve strong, shiny, and problem-free hair.

 

If you experience excessive hair loss, thinning, or scalp abnormalities, consulting a specialist can help determine the best treatment options.