Most Interesting Skin Facts

Most Interesting Skin Facts

Skin is highly complex. Consisting of many components, our skin works overtime to protect us and sustain us from harm. As well as this, it gives us much-needed signals of when something isn’t quite right. In this week’s blog, we will go through some of the most interesting skin facts that you may not be aware of. Let us take a look at what those are.

Your skin is an organ

This may be one of the most interesting skin facts. Not all of the body’s organs are internal; your skin is the body’s largest organ. Although skin can be referred to as an organ, it is often considered a system. This is because the skin is home to a whole network of organs, including nails and hair. It is waterproof, flexible and protects us internally from harm. Depending on the part of the body, the skin can be thick or very thin. The skin around your eyes is where skin can be found at its thinnest, whilst the soles of your feet are the thickest. For adults, skin weighs approximately 15% of your total body weight. In cases where extreme weight loss has happened, and excess skin has yet to be removed, this percentage can be significantly higher.

Your skin consists of 3 layers

Epidermis- The epidermis is the top layer of skin that is visible to us. This layer self creates new skin cells, which allow your skin to renew. As old skin cells fall away, new skin cells rise to the top of the epidermis. This takes about 28 days to happen and is the reason that our skin can heal from cuts or even pimple scars. This layer of skin also contains cells that produce melanin, giving your skin its pigment or colour. Finally, there is keratin. Keratin is a protein made by the cells in this layer of skin. This protein is what helps our skin to be resistant and protects it from becoming dry.

Dermis- This is the middle layer of skin which is also the thickest layer. It is home to many components such as nerve endings, oil glands and hair follicles. Blood vessels are found in this layer. They help to control your body temperature by enlarging and constricting depending on the temperature. Helping to fight off infection, lymphatic vessels are also within the dermis. These vessels are an essential part of your immune system as they control the drainage of fluid from other vessels.

Hypodermis- The hypodermis is the bottom layer of skin that is mainly made of fatty tissue. This can also be known as subcutaneous fat. Because of this layer’s fatty tissue, it is considered to be an insulator against both hot and cold. This layer is also where the body stores fat. It also serves as protection for internal organs, bones and muscles.

Quick skin facts

• When skin is severely damaged, in order to heal itself, scar tissue is formed. It differs from normal skin as it lacks sweat glands and hair follicles

• A person has, on average, about 300 million skin cells that shed and renew monthly

• Your skin can often signal when something is wrong, appearance and feel may change according to your health

• Eating your veggies can make your skin appear more radiant

• Acne is caused by the overproduction of skin cells within your sweat glands

It’s clear that our skin has many functions and secrets. The most important thing is not to neglect your skin. Whether there is a change in your skin’s appearance and feel, or if you haven’t been giving it the attention it needs, keep an eye on your skin and the hints it may give you. 

If your skin concerns are getting to you, book your free consultation with one of our trusted beauty advisors. From at-home treatments to in-house advice, we will help direct you and your skin to the best treatments.