Ten Facts About Skin & Tips for Skin Protection

The skin is the single largest organ in your body. It accounts for approximately 10% of your total body weight and is only an estimated one eighth of an inch thick. Three layers comprise skin. The outer layer is called the epidermis, the inner layer is called the dermis and the base layer is called the subcutaneous layer. Healthy skin protects your body from potentially dangerous substances, be they chemical, physical or biologic. The epidermis, which is 1/250th of an inch thick, provides the protection.