After a decade of dedicated research, the “Skin Twins” are introducing an exclusive survey aimed at enhancing understanding of skin health.
In observance of Acne Awareness Month this July, two researchers from South Bend are making this survey available locally before its nationwide release.
According to their findings, 85 million Americans are affected by skin microbiome issues, a significantly understudied concern.
Starting at noon on July 3rd, residents in our area can access this online tool designed to delve deeper into what the researchers term the “skin ecosystem.”
The inspiration behind their research stems from personal experience with the impact of skin diseases, particularly their mother’s prolonged battle with such issues.
“Our journey began with our mother’s chronic skin problems during our teenage years. Witnessing her struggles motivated us to initiate research, revealing a concerning epidemic of skin issues in America,” explained Kit Wallen Russel, a researcher focused on damaged skin.
Their research indicates that a staggering 80% of Americans may have compromised skin health, largely attributable to disruptions in the skin microbiome, akin to those affecting gut health.
“We’ve identified damaged skin microbiomes as a potential underlying cause of this surge in skin problems. Our studies highlight synthetic chemicals in modern cosmetics as a significant contributor,” Wallen Russel elaborated.
In addition to synthetic ingredients, factors such as Western lifestyle habits, environmental pollution, and reduced exposure to natural environments are also implicated in exacerbating skin health issues.
Common conditions like acne and eczema are prevalent manifestations, yet recent findings suggest broader health implications beyond mere cosmetic concerns.
For the first time, we’re establishing a link between compromised skin health in the Western world and systemic health issues such as asthma and even neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease—an unexpected revelation given the skin-brain connection,” Wallen Russel noted.
The survey itself is offered free of charge, with results processed through a specialized database to generate personalized insights for participants.
This initiative represents a crucial step towards advancing knowledge of skin health locally and nationwide, promising to shed light on a vastly overlooked area of public health concern.
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