The body is a magnificent piece of workmanship indeed. Different parts perform functions that are vital to its survival and one of them is our skin. The skin is our largest organ. As you can see it runs from head to toe. It serves different functions such as regulating body temperature, maintaining water and electrolyte balance, and sensing painful and pleasant stimuli. So, before you go to your favorite derma clinic I think it is a better idea to know a few facts about your skin.
As you can see, you don’t have to become a dermatologist to understand a few medical terms. The skin is not just a thin piece of flesh that covers us. It is as complex as any body part. It has three layers namely:
Epidermis
Dermis
Fat layer
The Epidermis is the relatively thin, tough layer of the skin. Ever wonder how we shed our skin? Most of the cells in our epidermis are keratinocytes. They came from the Basal Layer, the deepest layer of the epidermis. Those keratinocytes gradually make their way up towards the surface of the skin. Upon reaching the surface they eventually shed giving way to younger cells from below.
Now, peeking inside epidermis, you may find out other parts. One of them is stratum corneum. When taking a dive into your backyard pool you don’t damage anything inside your body. Why? It is because of stratum corneum, it is the outermost portion of the epidermis, relatively water proof and prevents most bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances from entering your body.
What is the color of your skin? White, black or brown? If you love your skin color, you would like to say thank you to your melanocytes. Melanocytes produces the pigment could melanin and it is one of the main contributors of your skin color. Aside from color, it also has another important function; it protects you from the harmful rays of the sun.
Dermis is the next layer in our list. It is a thick layer of fibrous and elastic tissue that gives flexibility and strength to our skin. It contains nerve endings, sweat glands and oil glands, hair follicles and blood vessels.
The Sweat Glands produce sweat in response to heat and stress. Sebaceous Glands secrete sebum, an oil that keeps the skin moist and soft, into our hair follicles. Hair Follicles produce the various types of hair found throughout the body. Blood Vessels provide nutrients to our skin and also regulate body temperature (like the radiator inside your auto). And Nerve Endings that is responsible in saying “Hey! Look at me I am hurt!”
Is Fat a good thing or not? That depends on how it functions. If you are looking into the third layer of the skin that serves as an insulator from the outside world (protects you from extreme hotness or coldness), serves as a protective padding and as an energy storage area. Then, that is a good thing.
The skin is our first line of defense, the organic radiator and our “First Impressions Lasts…” body part. Just like anything else if you want your skin to serve you well you must take good care for it. If you want to be beautiful and healthy, start with your skin, because nothing beats Natural Beauty. If you do not believe me, just ask your friendly neighborhood dermatologist. Now, I think you are ready to visit your derma clinic.
