Description of the Skin

A few interesting facts:

• The skin is the largest living organ of the body.
• At any given time one quarter of the body’s blood flows through the skin.
• The skin sheds approximately 1.5 million dead skin cells per hour.
• 90% of household dust is from discarded skin cells.
• The skin makes up 16% of the body’s total weight.

The main functions of the skin are:

• Temperature regulator
  The skin regulates temperature via sweat gland openings on the surface of the skin known as pores. We can perspire anywhere from 100 to 2000ml a day.
  
  
• Absorption
  The skin is able to absorb a few select substances.
  
  
• Protection
  Against water loss or entry, chemicals and bacteria. Lipids and proteins excrete through the pores and seal the surface of the skin. It is known as the hydro lipidic layer, which is washed off and generated continually. Skin is kept smooth and supple.
  
  
• Secretion and elimination
  In both eccrine and apocrine sweat there are waste products. The body rids itself of various waste products via the skin.
  
  
• Sensation
  The skin has a network of elaborate neural receptors and small nerve endings that allow you to feel heat, cold, pain etc.
  
  
• Vitamin D production
  Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin. It is the U.V. from the sun that converts a substance in sebum to vitamin D.