It’s Your Body’s Largest Organ And Biggest Protector: But Healthy Skin Isn’t Rough To Maintain

COURTESY PHOTO

Skin is the largest organ of the body. An average adult has about 8 pounds and 22 square feet of it. Skin is active, living tissue, and each of its three layers has a job to do to protect the body and keep it healthy.

The outermost layer of the skin is the epidermis. It provides a waterproof barrier against germs, toxins and pollutants. This layer contains the cells that form the rough exterior surface of the skin that continuously slough off and regenerate. It also contains cells that alert the immune system to any infectious invaders.

COURTESY PHOTO

Just below the epidermis is the dermis. This layer contains tough connective tissue, as well as hair follicles and sweat glands. It also contains collagen and elastin, the fibers that give skin its strength and elasticity. Blood vessels found here regulate body temperature, and nerves pick up sensations and relay that information to the brain.

The third layer is called the subcutis. It’s made up mostly of fat and connective tissue. The reserves of fat stored in this layer act as a cushion to help protect the bones and muscles from bumps, bruises and falls.

Skin gets its color from specialized cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. People who live in sunny climates have more melanin than people who live in climates with less sun exposures, so their skin is darker. Melanocytes are found in the epidermis.

People in all climates need to keep their skin vibrant and healthy so it can continue to perform its many important jobs. Good skin care doesn’t have to be complex. It can be broken down to a few simple steps. Here are some tips people can follow:

Protect the skin from the sun. Too much sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems. And it increases the risk for skin cancer. People should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30. They should avoid the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when its ray are the strongest. They should also wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a wide-brimmed hat.

Eat a healthy diet. What people eat is as important as what they put on their skin. Diet can improve the skin’s health from the inside out, so healthy skin begins with a healthy diet. Foods that have been found to be skin-healthy include mangoes, tomatoes, kale and soy. Also, cutting alcohol consumption could lower a person’s risk for non-melanoma skin cancer. Quitting smoking helps keep the skin healthy as well.

Keep stress to a minimum. Scientists have identified links between stress and some skin problems, including itchy skin, scaly skin, hand rashes and flaky, oily or waxy patches on the scalp. If people are struggling with stress and it’s affecting their skin, they should try stress reduction techniques such as tai chi, yoga, deep breathing or meditation.

Build a daily skin care routine. A routine can help people maintain overall skin health and improve specific concerns they may have, such as acne, scarring or dark spots. Start simple with a cleanser, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen. As they see how their skin reacts, they can add other products, such as an exfoliant, mask or spot treatment.

Keep skin hydrated. Moisturizers revive the skin’s ability to repair and renew naturally. A good moisturizer will seal in moisture and keep the top layer hydrated. People should choose a moisturizer that has a humectant, which will attract moisture; an occlusive agent, which will retain moisture; and an emollient, which will smooth out the spaces between skin cells.