How to Support Your Body's Largest Organ: Skin

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What does skin actually do?

Skin accounts for approximately 15% of body weight. It also has multiple uses. It is part of a team of organs working together.

You cannot think of skin simply as something that wraps or covers the body. This is an important and essential organ system that is complex and has many roles. The skin is a superhero organ because of its ability to:

Provide immunity
Covers and protects internal body parts and functions
release sweat
Synthetic Vitamin D
Make melanin
Allows us to distinguish textures, temperatures, etc. by touch

protect us from intruders

The top layer of skin, or epidermis, is the front line when it comes to protecting our bodies from harmful external forces such as viruses.

Intact skin prevents pathogens from gaining a foothold. A compromised skin barrier allows bacteria and viruses to penetrate deeper into the skin and cause infection. But even if the pathogen penetrates the skin, this superhero organ keeps on fighting.

According to a 2020 review, skin cells work together and organize immune signals to help the body defend and attack pathogens. White blood cells from the body are constantly circulating in the skin, performing immune surveillance.

The skin also contains epidermal keratinocytes, cells that produce proteins and peptides with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties . Sebaceous glands also secrete oil, adding another layer of protection against foreign substances. As a bonus, it keeps skin soft.

Protects muscles, bones, internal organs and nervous system

The protective properties of the skin do not end with immunity.

The third layer of skin, the hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue, is composed of fat and acts as a natural shock absorber.

If the body experiences trauma, such as a fall or car accident, this fat essentially acts as a thick cushion that dampens the blow and keeps our internal body safe.

release sweat

Sweating isn't just a sign that your workout is done. Sweat helps cool the skin and prevents the body from overheating.

Sweating occurs through two types of glands. Eccrine glands cover most of the body and open on the surface of the skin. Apocrine sweat glands lead to hair follicles and can be found on the scalp, armpits, and groin.

Whether the body can "sweat" is a matter of debate.

A 2016 study suggested that people who exercise regularly have lower levels of heavy metals.

A 2011 studyTrusted Source showed sweat as a potential way to remove bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in plastics.

Still a 2019 review called for more well-controlled studies to clarify whether sweat plays an important role in eliminating toxins from the body.

Synthetic Vitamin D

When skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D. Vitamin D serves many purposes in the body.

A 2015 review said it might help:

bone health
Prevent skin cancer
Immune Function
Psoriasis Management
Reduce the risk and severity of atopic dermatitis

Contains melanin

The epidermis contains melanin, a pigment that determines an individual's skin color. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin tone will be. Melanin does more than just determine the color of your skin. It also protects against UV rays from the sun. These rays are responsible for:

sunburn
skin cancer
premature aging
Reduce collagen production
Reduced skin elasticity

Affect touch

What would life be like if you couldn't pet your dog, hug a loved one, or feel the warmth of a fluffy blanket? Thanks to our skin, we can feel the pain and pleasure of touch.

Your skin allows you to feel and identify pain and stress. It can decipher textures and detect temperatures such as hot and cold.

The skin does this through tiny but powerful touch receptors, including:

Thermoreceptors that help determine temperature.
Nociceptors let you know when there is pain, such as from a wound.
Mechanoreceptors that recognize stress, such as a firm handshake.

How to take care of your skin

Skin care products cost a dime a dozen. Looking at the latest list of so-called “must-have” products can be overwhelming.

But experts say there are some simple ways to take care of your skin. You might want to take a look outside the beauty aisle, it might surprise you.

Care from the inside out

Some dermatologists say the adage, "you are what you eat," holds true, at least when it comes to skin care.

Foods rich in the following foods are recommended:

Antioxidants, including dark leafy greens, spinach, kale, and berries, to counteract free radicals and environmental damage
Mono- and polyunsaturated fats, such as salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds, strengthen the skin's lipid barrier
Probiotics, like yogurt and prebiotics, found in high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables, strengthen the skin's barrier

It is recommended to limit highly processed and sugary foods as much as possible.

Research shows a link between a high-sugar diet and acne, and a 2021 study showsTrusted Source Eating processed foods is linked to atopic dermatitis.

What your skin really needs to stay healthy

There are more than enough skin care products to choose from. It is recommended that you cut back on your daily routine and only use a few basic products.

Everyone should invest in:

The best cleanser for your skin type and needs
The right moisturizer for your skin type and needs
broad spectrum sunscreen

Unexpected self-care activities to support your skin

Self-care is an important part of skin care.

Experts share some at-home activities to boost your superhero organ, including:

Exercise : The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says exercise increases blood flow to all organs, including the skin. The AAD recommends using a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide after sweating to cleanse pores and prevent breakouts.
Sleep: Skin regenerates during sleep. Adults ages 18 to 60 should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Get outside: The air indoors is often drier, especially when the weather is hot during the colder months. Getting outside can reduce this problem and relieve stress, which can trigger acne.

More tips to support your skin

Your skin works overtime to support your body and maintain your overall health. Try these tips to keep your skin looking its best.

Organize your dressing table

If you haven't organized your skincare in a while, now might be a good time.

It is recommended to check the expiry date as expired products may lose their potency and may irritate the skin.

A “less is more” approach is recommended. If it ain't broken, don't fix it, no matter what new trend you see on social media.

When it comes to skin care, less is more, and having a few products that work well together and layered correctly will often yield better results than trying new products all the time and mixing in lots of new things.

Warmer in the shower

A long, steamy shower may feel luxurious, but your skin doesn't like it.

Hot water may feel great now, but it strips your skin of its natural moisturizing factors.

It is recommended to choose warm water. It is recommended to keep the water at the same temperature as your body - between 95 and 99°F (35 and 37.2°C) and no higher than 105°F (40.5°C).

If your skin is very red right after a shower, the water temperature may be too high.

Find the right sunscreen

There are tons of sunscreens to choose from. It's important to find a broad-spectrum option that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Here are the AAD’s recommendations:

Use water-resistant sunscreen and SPF 30 or above. SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 97% of the sun's rays.
Apply about 1 oz. (single cup) sunscreen for adults.
After applying, wait 15 minutes before going out.
Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.

Dress for safe sunbathing

Even with sunscreen, you can never block 100% of the sun's rays. You can add an extra layer of protection to your clothing.

suggestion:

a hat
sunglasses
UPF 50+ Clothing

Know your skin type

It is recommended to choose the product suitable for you according to your skin type.

Common skin types include:

greasy (greasy)
Dry (flaky)
Sensitive (easily irritated)
Combination (flaky and greasy)

Different ingredients are best for specific skin types.

For example:

Benzoyl peroxide is beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin.
Fragrance-free products are great for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.
Oil- or cream-based products can be helpful for dry skin.

A dermatologist can help you identify your skin type and choose products.

Consider vitamin D supplementation

Your body naturally obtains vitamin D from sunlight. Still, if you have a deficiency, taking supplements can help. You can check your levels in a simple blood test.

A 2015 review suggests that if vitamin D is deficient, vitamin D supplementation should be first-line treatment to achieve appropriate levels in the body, but more research is needed on its effects on the skin.

Reduce smoking

Smoking also affects skin health.

A 2019 study showed that smokers' skin has less elasticity and more visible wrinkles than non-smokers' skin. Research from 2021 links smoking to some skin cancers.

It may also be related to skin conditions such as: