When we think of organs, usually our minds picture brains, lungs, livers, or hearts. However, all of that is being protected by one of the most important, yet overlooked organs; your skin. The skin, the human bodies' protective outer layer, is quite often underestimated for its vast importance. Skin plays various vital roles in our bodies, which is why it is crucial to understand and maintain the health of our skin.
The Function
For one, the skin's job is to maintain and regulate many body parts for the body to healthily operate. While existing as a barrier against external factors such as the sun, the skin helps keep a balance in the body. Temperature, hydration levels, vitamin uptake, storage, and sensory abilities are all key factors that are taken care of by skin. Evidently, the skin is a very complex and multifaceted organ
Regulations/Homeostasis: There are several mechanisms in which the skin aids in regulating a plethora of bodily functions. -Body Temperature: By sweating, shivering, and dilating blood vessels, the skin can easily help regulate the temperature of one's body depending on the external circumstances.
Immunity: One of the main functions of skin is to shield us from any invaders such as pathogens and viruses. However, in the case that someone's body is fighting off an illness, the skin can assist in the process by using immune cells/structures to maintain the immune balance. In the situation of any wounds, the skin takes on a natural process of repairing the wound by building back tissues and cells.
Hormones & Vitamins: Hormones are produced throughout one's skin that help produce and operate the creation of various vitamins such as vitamin D.
Well-being Of Skin
Now that a few of the crucial roles that skin plays have been established, the key takeaway is that skin shouldn't be neglected. Along with physically taking care of your skin, internal health also matters. A well balanced, nutritious diet has tons of benefits for the skin. Healthy skin thrives from various kinds of vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E. All of these vitamins can be found in different leafy greens, fruits, and tree nuts. Drinking enough water is also just as important as eating healthy foods, as water provides hydration and replenishment. Protecting your skin from the outside can be done by using lotions and creams that hydrate and restore the skin, and most importantly using sunscreen. Using sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. It helps block harmful UV rays from the sun that can cause sun spots or even skin cancer.
In conclusion, it is important to understand the functions of our skin, and remember to take care of it, as many parts of our body depend on skin. The diverse functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and immune response, are all essential components that aid in the proper functions of our bodies. Prioritizing the skin's overall health can help prevent a vast range of skin related problems. As the protector and shield for our bodies, it is only right if we care and give attention to our skin's needs because its importance can't be emphasized enough.
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Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board