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Ten Facts About Skin & Tips for Skin Protection
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Skin is Your Largest Organ
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. Photo: Getty Images
New Skin in Five Weeks
It takes about five weeks for new cells to work their way to the epidermis. The thickness of this layer of skin varies depending on the part of the body. For example, the skin on your heels is different than the skin on your arms. Within the epidermis are specialized cells that alert your immune system to viruses and other infectious elements. Hair follicles and sebaceous and sweat glands are found in the dermis. The collagen and elastin in the dermis give skin its flexibility. The blood vessels in the dermis help regulate body temperature while the nerves of the dermis relay sensations of touch, pain and temperature to your brain. The subcutaneous acts as a cushion against bumps and as an insulator. Photo: Getty Images
Temperature Affects Your Skin
Harmful environmental elements, like chemicals, sunlight and cuts, continuously assault your skin. Skin acts like a sponge because of its tiny openings or pores. Chemicals that penetrate the epidermis can enter your blood stream. The risk of this increases with exposure to heat. Sweating can cause chemicals to dissolve. Exposure to heat increases blood flow in the epidermis and can increase the absorption of harmful substances. Exposure to cold causes microscopic cracking in the skin. Dry, cracked skin allows harmful substance to enter your body. Photo: Getty Images
Tan Skin is a Natural Defense Mechanism
Your body relies on sunlight to synthesize Vitamin D. But, too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin. As a defense mechanism to sun exposure, your body produces more of the brown pigment called melanin. Melanin offers limited protection against radiation from the sun. Photo: Getty Images
UV Rays Cause Skin Cancer
Skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the United States, develops because of skin changes caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays are an invisible form of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. The risk for developing skin cancer is highest for Caucasians, second highest for Hispanics, Native Americans and Alaska Natives followed by Asian/Pacific Islanders and Black individuals. Photo: Getty Images
Wear Gloves For Protection
When working with chemicals, wear gloves and when possible, use tools to handle the hazardous material instead of your hands. Wash your hands regularly during and after working. Carefully remove gloves or protective clothing to prevent contamination to your skin. Photo: Getty Images
Wear a Hat
When spending an extended time outdoors, wear a brimmed hat. For maximum protection, choose a hat with a full brim that protects your face, ears and the back of your neck. Hats made of tightly woven fabric such as canvas, and dark colored hats offer the best protection against the sun’s rays. Photo: Getty Images
Clothing Protects Your Skin
When planning to be out in the sun, wear a loose-fitting long sleeved shirt and long pants made of tightly woven fabric for the best protection. A dry T-shirt offers more protection than a wet one. Darker colored clothes protect your skin better. Interestingly, a typical T-shirt has a SPF rating of less than 15. So, for maximum skin protection consider purchasing clothing fashioned from a fabric that offers 30+ all day sun protection. Photo: Getty Images
Use a Facial Moisturizer
Using skin moisturizing products is important for protecting sensitive skin and improving skin tone and texture. Choose the right product for your skin type and personal needs. Moisturizers maintain the normal moisture balance for normal skin, restore moisture to dry skin and help keep aging skin soft and hydrated. Photo: Getty Images
Wear Sunscreen SPF 30
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone, regardless of skin type, use a water-resistant sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 year round. It should be applied everyday, even if you are not planning to be out in the sun. UVA rays can penetrate glass windows thus exposing unprotected skin to damage. Apply sunscreen liberally, about 25 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Give particular attention to your face, ears, hands and arms. Photo: Getty Images
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