Lifestyle Choices

1. The facts

Your skin is the largest organ of the body. Did you know that you have about 300 million skin cells that renew themselves regularly every 21-28 days? You shed approximately 4 per cent of your total skin cells daily, or about 50,000 cells per minute! In a lifetime you will shed about 13.5 kg of skin.

The skin is the body’s first line of defence against harmful bacteria and viruses. There are about 25,000 ‘good’ bacteria cells per square cm of skin. Facial skin is about 0.12 mm thick while skin on the body is about 0.6 mm thick. Skin on the lips and eyelids is the thinnestwhile skin on the palms and soles of the feet is the thickest.

The skin is a waterproof, flexible but tough protective layer for your body. The surface is normally smooth, punctuated only with hair follicles and pores for sweat. It is divided into three layers: the outer layer is the epidermis; in the middle is the dermis; and fat forms the innermost layer, known as the subcutaneous tissue.

2. The skin’s functions

The major function of the skin is to provide you with a protective covering from the outsid world. The outer layer, the epidermis, is made up of millions of live and dead skin cells tha act as a major waterproof barrier.

The middle layer, the dermis, provides a tough, flexible foundation for the epidermis. Swea glands and blood vessels found in the dermis help regulate body temperature, and nery endings send sensations of touch, pain, itching and temperature to the brain. Oil gland produce a substance called sebum, which is the skin’s natural inbuilt hydrator to keep ski moisturised. The amount present determines skin types: the less sebum the more dry a skin is.

The layer between the dermis and epidermis is called the basal layer. This is where new cell are constantly reproduced and begin their migration to the surface. The fat under the dermis (subcutaneous tissue) provides more substantial insulation, is instrumental in th manufacturing of Vitamin D and helps store calories.

Your skin colour is determined by the pigment known as melanin, which is also found in the epidermis. Melanin is the skin’s natural protectant against ultraviolet light. The amount present in your skin is determined genetically, but it does increase in the presence o sunlight, to prevent burning. We are educated to guard our skin from UV radiation but let’s not forget it is this precious sunlight that triggers the synthesis of Vitamin D, an essential vitamin and nutrient your body needs to stay healthy. The amount of time spent in the sun is crucial. It’s all about balance.

The skin does not only serve to protect us, but also provides us with information about the world around us: the complex network of sensory nerve endings inside the skin sense information like pleasure and pain or hot and cold, and send these messages to the brain. Skin loves touch as this heightens sensory perception. Psychologists speak of ‘skin hunger’ when we are deprived of touch, as touch not only sustains us physically but also mentally and emotionally.

The skin is also a large part of the body’s elimination system. Along with the liver, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system and large intestine it works to help the body eliminate unwanted substances. If any of the body’s elimination organs are stressed, the skin often takes on the toxic overload and can present you with rashes, sensitivities and blemishes.

Another interesting role your skin plays is to deliver your own unique aroma. Your skin’s apocrine glands, which are situated around the nipples, genital area and under your arms, secrete substances called pheromones. Even though you may not be aware of their smell they affect those around you. They play a large part in the chemistry of attraction!

As you can see, your skin plays a hugely important role in your health. The skin is a functioning organ that is able to absorb and excrete many products and ingredients through its pores. The condition of the skin indicates inner health, reflecting your emotional and physical well-being. Taking time out, learning to deal with stress and acknowledging the importance of self-care, alongside good nutrition and physical fitness, will all help keep your skin in top condition. But healthy skin is not just an outside job; it is an inside job, too.

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