The appearance of your skin doesn’t just affect your looks. It also performs a large number of vital tasks for your body. Without it, we would contract infections because it keeps harmful microbes out. Additionally, it helps prevent dehydration by keeping body fluids in. Numerous nerve endings in your skin’s outer layer enable you to perceive temperature and pain – you could suffer serious injuries without realising it if you couldn’t sense them.1 It’s no wonder healthy skin has become such a priority.
No other organ system requires more care and consideration in healthy and diseased stages than your skin. Everyone wants to have clearer, healthier, and glowing skin, which is why there’s been so much emphasis on skin health.
You may need to visit a dermatology clinic if you suspect you have a skin condition or just want to learn improved skin care techniques. A dermatologist is a doctor who focuses on treating and maintaining healthy skin. Due to the similar symptoms that many skin conditions share, skin issues can be challenging to identify. Effective treatment requires proper assessment by a skilled dermatologist.2
More on skin
You’ve probably heard by now that the skin is the body’s largest organ. It is made up of three tissue layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer. The epidermis is the skin’s incredibly thin outer covering. Dead cells make up the epidermis’ outer covering, which constantly washes or flakes off. New cells are produced in the lower epidermis and move upwards to the skin’s surface to take their position. The cells perish and, as a result, harden. About 28 days pass during this cell production and replacement period.3
Melanocytes, the cells that store melanin and the pigment which gives skin its colour, are also found in the epidermis. Contrary to what you may have heard, it’s not the number of cells but the quantity of melanin in these cells that determines skin colour. Skin becomes darker as pigment levels increase.3
Nerves, blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, and oil glands are all found in the dermis, also known as the main layer of skin. Collagen and elastic strands, which provide the skin with strength and elasticity, make up about 90% of its thickness.3
The deepest layer is the subcutaneous layer, which is primarily made up of fatty tissue. It also has neurons and blood vessels. The body is protected from excessive heat and cold, and injuries by the fat, which also acts as a cushion.3
Other benefits of healthy skin
The vast range of capabilities possessed by a healthy epidermis is still being discovered. The fundamental daily chores consist of:
- Serving as a barrier, guarding against physical and chemical harm, bugs, and water loss.
- Assisting us in warding off pests, allergens, toxins, and carcinogens by using immune system components found in our epidermis.
- Regulating the movement of heat away from the body by dilation and constriction of blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. In addition to sweat production and the insulating impact of erect skin hairs, the temperature is also controlled by evaporative cooling. The subcutaneous fat’s insulating covering has an impact on heat loss as well.
- Creating melanin to shield us from UV radiation.
- Proving us with the sense of touch enables engagement with our physical environment, all fine and gross motor functions, and other enjoyable stimulations.
- The creation of vitamin D aids in the prevention of many illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders.
- The healing of wounds
- The quality and condition of the skin highly influence the appearance of health, wellness, youth, and physical attractiveness.4
Conclusion
It is impossible to overstate how crucial it is to maintain the health of your skin. It safeguards your internal organs from harm and serves as the body’s first line of defence.
Skin conditions, such as acne (and resulting acne scars), psoriasis, and eczema, are prevalent in people from every demographic. The good news is that there are many ways to maintain healthy skin, and if treatment is required, many options are available. Angeline Yong Dermatology is one such establishment. We are dedicated to quality dermatological and specialised care for all manner of skin conditions and beyond. Contact us today to learn more.
References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020, December 3). Healthy skin matters. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/kids/healthy-skin#tab-id-2
Liotta, L. (2020, July 12). Skin health. HealthyWomen. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.healthywomen.org/your-health/skin-health
Did you know? American Skin Association. (2020). Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.americanskin.org/resource/
McDonald, C. (2022, July 8). The skin is a very important (and our largest) organ: What does it do? The Conversation. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://theconversation.com/the-skin-is-a-very-important-and-our-largest-organ-what-does-it-do-91515