affect the skin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "affect the skin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something influences or has an impact on the skin, such as in health, beauty, or environmental contexts. Example: "Certain chemicals in cosmetics can negatively affect the skin, leading to irritation or allergic reactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

There is no cure for this autoimmune disease, which can affect the skin, blood and joints.

The New York Times - Arts

Solar urticaria, a similar condition, is more extreme; it causes hives and can even affect the skin beneath clothing.

The New Yorker

Allergic reactions to food can be severe and affect the skin, the lungs or the gut.

Independent

Able to infect only the top layer of dead keratin, dermatophytes affect the skin, hair shafts, and nails.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fungal infections, also known as mycotic infections, may affect the skin surfaces or the internal organs of the body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The disease, caught by approximately 300,000 people in the US each year, can result in hospitalisation and can affect the skin, joints, heart and nervous system.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's recently been found that long-range ultraviolet also affects the skin and damages it.

The New York Times - Health

It spreads via spores and affects the skin of amphibians — through which many drink and breathe — leading to cardiac arrest.

The Guardian

Lupus usually affects the skin, joints, blood and kidneys, but can harm any part of the body.

The New York Times

Dr. Scofield, in studies of his own, has found that autoantibodies often foreshadow the onset of lupus, a potentially deadly disease that affects the skin, joints, blood and kidneys.

The New York Times - Health

It spreads through water via spores and affects the skin of amphibians – through which many drink and breathe – leading to cardiac arrest.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing skin conditions or treatments, use "affect the skin" to describe how a factor influences the skin's state. For example, "UV radiation can directly "affect the skin", leading to premature aging."

Common error

Be mindful of the difference between "affect" and "effect". "Affect" is typically used as a verb meaning to influence, while "effect" is usually a noun referring to a result. Incorrect: 'The sun's rays had a strong affect on her skin.' Correct: 'The sun's rays had a strong effect on her skin' or 'The sun's rays strongly "affect the skin".'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "affect the skin" functions as a verb phrase, where "affect" is the verb and "the skin" is the direct object. It indicates an action that influences or acts upon the skin. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which validates its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "affect the skin" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe how various factors influence the skin. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence across diverse sources like science journals, news media, and encyclopedias underscores its versatility. When writing, remember to differentiate "affect" from "effect". While alternatives like "impact the skin" and "influence the skin" exist, "affect the skin" remains a clear and reliable choice for conveying this concept. The phrase commonly appears in scientific contexts (52%) and news media (30%).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impact the skin

Replaces "affect" with "impact", emphasizing the force or influence on the skin.

influence the skin

Substitutes "affect" with "influence", highlighting the subtle or gradual effect on the skin.

have an effect on the skin

Rephrases "affect" using the noun "effect", changing the sentence structure slightly.

cause skin problems

Focuses on the negative consequences of affecting the skin, implying a harmful effect.

irritate the skin

Specifies a particular type of effect, focusing on causing irritation.

damage the skin

Emphasizes the destructive impact on the skin.

harm the skin

Similar to "damage the skin", but with a broader sense of causing injury or detriment.

change the skin

Highlights the alteration or modification of the skin's condition or appearance.

alter skin condition

Focuses on the alteration of the skin's state, implying a change from its original form.

modify skin's texture

Specifies the effect on the skin's texture, suggesting a change in its surface feel or appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "affect the skin" in a sentence?

You can use "affect the skin" to describe how external factors or internal conditions influence the skin's state. For example: "Certain medications can affect the skin, causing dryness or irritation."

What are some alternatives to "affect the skin"?

Alternatives include "impact the skin", "influence the skin", or "have an effect on the skin". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "effects the skin" instead of "affect the skin"?

No, "effects the skin" is grammatically incorrect. "Affect" is the verb to use when describing something that influences the skin. "Effect" is primarily a noun meaning result.

What's the difference between "affecting the skin" and "affect the skin"?

"Affect the skin" is the base verb form. "Affecting the skin" is the present participle, used in continuous tenses or as an adjective. For example: "The rash is affecting the skin" versus "Certain chemicals can "affect the skin".