The epitome of versatility is our skin

The functions of the skin

As it is the largest sensory organ in the body, the main function of the skin is to protect it from external stimuli.

It also warns us of the dangers, such as high levels of heat or extremely cold through its aesthetic receptors, with the feeling of pain or itching.

As a temperature regulator, the skin is also responsible for maintaining a constant temperature inside the body. When heated, blood circulates in the blood vessels and releases heat. If this is not enough, the skin sweats and reduces body temperature. When it gets cold, the opposite is true: the skin pumps less blood through the veins to maintain heat inside the body. That’s why when it gets cold, our hands and feet get cold first.

Our skin also protects us from sunlight. When exposed to the rays of the sun, your skin develops a thicker horny layer and a darker complexion – the tan. Both function as a filter that allows harmful UV radiation to penetrate the skin only to a limited extent. The damage caused by solar radiation can be partially restored by the skin itself, however, it takes time to achieve it. In order to enhance the functions of natural skin protection against sunlight, you should always use a product with an appropriate sun protection indicator.

There is a lot going on beneath the surface of the skin: the different layers of the skin

The skin may be only a few inches thick, but it has enormous strength. Like the onion, it consists of numerous layers that can be roughly classified into three areas:

• The upper skin protective cover is the skin, which is divided into five separate layers.
• The acidic mantle is in the skin. It keeps bacteria away and allows water to slip through the skin.
• Underneath the skin are the five distinct layers: the two lower ones continuously supply the three upper layers with new skin cells.

The dead cells are removed from the outer corneal layer. Thus, our skin is renewed approximately every 27 days.

• Below the skin is the dermis: It has a dense network of elastic fibers, nerves and tiny blood vessels that cross it. These blood vessels regulate the body’s thermal balance. Chorus feeds the skin with nutrients and oxygen. There are also sebum, sweat and sweat glands.
• The third layer of skin is known as subcutaneous. It consists mainly of tissue and fat. The subcutaneous function acts as a cushion for protection against external shock and is an important energy reserve. It connects the skin to the lower tendons and muscles.