The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It measures approximately 1.7 square metres and weighs approximately 4.1 kilograms in an adult. It performs many vital functions, including serving as a barrier and a regulating influence between the outside world and the controlled environment within our bodies. The physical toughness of the skin prevents harmful chemicals and invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses from entering unhindered into the body. The human skin also acts as a ”shock absorber” for the more sensitive tissues underneath.
The Layers Of The Skin
There are three main layers of the skin
- The Epidermis
This is the outermost layer. In most parts of the body, the epidermis is about 0.1mm thick, but on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands it can be 1mm or more in thickness. The epidermis works as a protective barrier that keeps bacteria and germs that causes infection from entering the bloodstream. It also continually makes new skin. New skin is produced every 30 days. The epidermis is also responsible for our skin color.
- The Dermis
The dermis lies immediately underneath the epidermis and is about four times thicker than the epidermis. It contains numerous specialized supporting tissues as well as blood vessels, nerves, hair roots and sweat glands. The dermis has receptors that makes you feel. It also produces oil that keeps your skin soft and smooth. The sweat gland is also found in the dermis, which produces sweat to regulate your body temperature. The dermis also contains some blood vessels that provide nutrients to the upper skin layer, the epidermis.
The bottom layer of skin, or hypodermis, is the fatty layer. The hypodermis:
- The Hypodermis
The bottom layer, which is the fatty layer is called the hypodermis. This layer of the skin, cushions the muscles and bones. Its fatty nature, protects the muscles and bones from injury. It also works as a connecting tissues between the skin and muscles. Its fatty nature also regulates our body temperature normal, keeping us from getting too cold or warm.
How To Take Care Of Your Skin
Skin care applies equally to men and women. Fresh air, exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep all helps a person look and feel their best. In fact, the nature of a person’s skin is often a reflection of the person’s lifestyle.
Regular washing of the skin with soap remains the fundamental and first principle of skin care. Soap emulsifies grease on the skin surface, so water can wash it off. Some other things that accumulate on the skin surface, which need to be removed, include dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria. The skin replaces removed grease within a matter of hours and as such it is important to regularly have a bath, preferably twice in a day.
What Soap Is Good For Our Skin?
All soaps contain alkali, which breaks up the horny top layer of the skin, allowing water to penetrate. Soaps are usually of the two types: perfumed soaps and medicated soaps. Normal skin replaces this horny top layer, but repeated use of soap can weaken the repair process, leading to scaling and dryness of the skin. The most advisable soaps are those that are the simplest in terms of chemical composition, without added disinfectant. The use of detergents on the skin is not advisable, because their action is too harsh on the skin.
Effects Of Climate And Air Conditioners On The Skin
Cold winds, extremes of temperature, and raised biometric pressures can lead to dryness and scaling of the skin; as such that the skin should not be exposed to such climatic factors for prolonged periods of time. The very low humidity in the air-conditioned houses and offices can dry and irritate the skin over time. The remedy for this is to keep the humidity level between 40 and 50 percent by using a humidifier. While the skin produces Vitamin D upon exposure to sunlight, it is harmful to expose it to the sun’s rays for prolonged periods.
How To Care For Facial Skin
Caring for the skin on your face is actually quite simple, consisting of three basic steps:
- Cleansing
This refers to removing dirt, makeup, oil and general daily grime from your face. This can be done with soap and water. Simply wash your face, being sure to clean all areas and rinse well with water. It may also be helpful, as it is for other parts of the body, to use a suitable scrub or other exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
- Toning
This refers to using a specially formulated toner or astringent solution applied to a cotton pad or ball to remove any last traces of soap, makeup, oil and grime. It is very important to choose a product that is well-suited to your skin type.
- Moisturizing
This refers to replenishing the natural moisture the skin loses through cleansing and daily exposure. Again, it is very important to choose a product that is well-suited to your skin type