Interesting Skin Facts:
- Skin is a vital organ that covers the entire outside of the body, forming a protective barrier against pathogens and injuries from the environment.
- The skin is the body's largest organ in weight and surface area. Thickness varies from 0.5 mm to 5 mm thick or more and weighs approximately 6 pounds.
- Fresh skin cells come to the surface every 20 to 28 days, pushing the dead skin layers off the skin surface.
- The skin renewal process slows down with age.
- Aging skin also loses collagen and elasticity.
Skin's Primary Functions:
- Protection: The skin protects from ultraviolet (UV) light, abrasions, infections (e.g., bacterial or fungal), chemicals, and excess water.
- Sensation: The skin is the largest sensory organ with many receptors for touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.
- Temperature regulation: The skin warms the body through a thick layer of adipose tissue and hair, and the body is cooled through sweat glands.
- Metabolic functions: The skin synthesizes vitamin D, which assists bone formation. Underneath the skin, adipose tissue acts as an energy warehouse.
