We take special care of our skin because it's the most visible part of who we are physically. But, do you know exactly what your skin does for you? Why does collagen matter? And what happens within your skin that causes wrinkles and other changes?
The functions of your skin
Your skin is one of the largest organs in your body. In an average adult, it accounts for about 12 to 15 percent of total body weight and covers almost 21 square feet of surface area. Contrary to popular belief, the skin is much more than a mere water-resistant covering for the body; it is a very complex organ system with many important functions that aid in maintaining homeostasis.
To start, your skin provides your first line of defense as a barrier from harmful items in the external world. This makes it a vital part of your immune system. It protects you from variations in temperature, micro-organisms, pathogens, radiation, and chemicals.
Next, the skin regulates several aspects of your physiology. It controls your body temperature via sweat and hair and changes in your peripheral circulation and fluid-balance via sweat. This makes the skin an important organ of your excretory system and vital for detoxification. Your skin also acts as an endocrine organ and is necessary in the synthesis and storage of vitamin D, which is actually a hormone.
The skin also contains an extensive network of sensory nerve cells that detect and relay changes in your environment. There are separate sensory receptors in the skin for heat, cold, touch, and pain. Additionally, the skin also has a major role in physical attraction between people and reproduction through exhibiting sex characteristics and emitting pheromones. It also matters for aesthetics and communication, because when others see our skin, they can assess our mood, physical state, health status, age, and attractiveness.
(This is also some great info to share with some curious kiddos!)
Time Defying Skin discusses the causes of aging that you have control over. The keys to youthful skin and feeling healthy may not be that complicated or expensive after all. A nourishing diet and healthy lifestyle practices are the natural solution. It's never too early or too late. Take the course today!
- CliniMed. (2014). Structure and Function of the Skin. Retrieved from http://www.clinimed.co.uk/Wound-Care/Education/Wound-Essentials/Structure-and-Function-of-the-Skin.aspx
- Pappas, A. (2015). Skin Basics; Structure and Function. In Lipids and skin health. New York: Spring Science Business Media.
- Parker, S. (2007). The human body book. New York: DK Pub.
- Simon, H. (2013, September 18). Skin wrinkles and blemishes. Retrieved from http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/skin-wrinkles-and-blemishes
Jenny Yelle, MHNE Holistic Wellness Educator
Hello lovelies! Thanks for visiting Au Naturale Nutrition and sharing my passion for holistic living and whole foods. I love to help my readers take a natural approach to beauty and aging gracefully. Radiate beautiful health!
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