Which biological factors influence skin functions?

• A. Diet and lifestyle
• B. Hormones and growth factors
• C. Stress and fatigue
• D. Only environmental factors

Answer: (B)

Biological factors that influence skin functions primarily include hormones and growth factors, as these play crucial roles in regulating various physiological processes in the skin. Hormones such as estrogens, androgens, and thyroid hormones impact skin hydration, oil production, and overall skin health. These hormones can affect the activity of sebaceous glands, influencing conditions such as acne or dryness.

Growth factors, on the other hand, are proteins that stimulate cellular growth, proliferation, and healing. They are vital in processes such as wound healing and tissue repair, affecting how the skin responds to injury and maintains its structural integrity. Growth factors also play a critical role in the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.

While aspects such as diet, lifestyle, stress, and environmental factors do impact skin health, they fall into broader categories that can also include biological elements. For instance, diet can affect hormone levels, and lifestyle choices may influence stress hormones, but the direct biological regulation of skin functions is most clearly attributed to hormones and growth factors.