damage the skin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "damage the skin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing skincare, health, or safety, particularly when referring to harmful substances or actions that affect the skin negatively. Example: "Excessive sun exposure can damage the skin, leading to premature aging and increased risk of skin cancer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If moisture isn't absorbed, it will damage the skin and cause problems.

Harvard University

This procedure can damage the skin, with the subsequent risk of infection for the patient.

Journal of Surgical Research

Lightening products can damage the skin if they are overused, dermatologists say, particularly if they contain hydroquinone.

The New York Times

Two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB, damage the skin, which can lead to premature aging and skin cancers including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Princeton University

Cover the pan and cook for 1½ hours altogether, at a very low but steady pace, and turning the bird over twice more during the process, taking care not to damage the skin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a lot easier to have one put in than it is to have it taken off," says Lowe. "The laser treatment can damage the skin and permanently give you white scarring".

The Guardian - Tech

Often the concentrations of polidocanol from compounding pharmacies were "wrong" and had "lots of contaminants" that could damage the skin where injected, according to Dr. Robert A. Weiss, a Baltimore dermatologist who directs the Maryland Laser, Skin and Vein Institute.

The New York Times

A relatively slight blow may damage the skin and underlying soft tissues, as shown by bruising, or contusion, which results from the infiltration of blood into the tissues from ruptured small vessels and by swelling caused by the passage of fluid through the walls of damaged capillaries.

Britannica

In a written decision released on June 19, investigators ruled that the advertising with barbed wire should be discontinued because "while consumers may not literally believe that body wash is as harsh on skin as barbed wire, such imagery nonetheless communicates an unsupported and disparaging message that competing products can seriously damage the skin".

The New York Times

Why doesn't the laser damage the skin and tissues around the blood vessel?

Duke University

If zinc oxide nanoparticles produce ROS, they can damage the skin and cannot be used as sun screen.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing skincare products, specify how the product may "damage the skin", such as by causing dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something can "damage the skin" without explaining how. Be specific about the mechanism of damage, whether it's UV radiation, harsh chemicals, or physical trauma.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damage the skin" primarily functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. It describes an action that negatively affects the skin. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

28%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "damage the skin" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression that describes various ways the skin can be harmed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in a wide range of contexts. Its frequency and appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and scientific journals underscore its relevance in discussions about health, beauty, and safety. While the phrase is generally understood, providing specific details about how something can "damage the skin"—such as by causing irritation, dryness, or increasing the risk of skin cancer—enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harm the skin

Replaces "damage" with a synonym, "harm", keeping the meaning consistent.

injure the skin

Substitutes "damage" with "injure", emphasizing a more immediate or acute form of harm.

cause skin damage

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the causation of damage to the skin.

impair skin integrity

Uses more formal and technical language to describe the compromising of the skin's natural barrier.

compromise skin health

Focuses on the overall health of the skin being negatively impacted.

degrade the skin

Suggests a gradual decline in the skin's quality or condition.

traumatize the skin

Emphasizes a severe or shocking impact on the skin.

weaken the skin barrier

Highlights the weakening of the skin's protective function.

irritate the skin

Focuses on causing inflammation or discomfort to the skin.

corrode the skin

Implies a destructive, wearing-away process affecting the skin.

FAQs

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

You can use "damage the skin" to describe the negative effects of various factors on the skin, such as "Excessive sun exposure can damage the skin" or "Harsh chemicals can damage the skin".

What are some alternatives to "damage the skin"?

Alternatives include "harm the skin", "injure the skin", or "cause skin damage" depending on the specific context.

What types of things can "damage the skin"?

Many things can "damage the skin", including UV radiation, harsh chemicals, physical trauma, and certain medical conditions.

Is it better to say "damage the skin" or "damaged skin"?

The choice depends on the context. "Damage the skin" describes an action or potential effect, while "damaged skin" describes the state of the skin after damage has occurred.