The Functions of Our Skin

With two weeks left to go, I started studying for our final written school test.  If you are thinking about esthetics school, I'll warn you that the esthetic chapters and theory classes are pretty boring.  Many days the clock literally stopped ticking in class.  But, going back, one of the more interesting theory chapters was about the functions of our skin.

Did you know our skin is the largest organ in the body?  Our skin has a ton of functions of the skin besides making us look good!

Our Skin is for:

Protection

Unbroken skin is a protective barrier protecting us from disease and infection.  To prevent irritation and water-loss, the skin's has a natural, built-in, barrier function.  Simply put, the barrier function helps moisturize our skin and keep irritants out.  It is made up of sebum, sweat, oil and water. Removing it is not good!  When all the oil from your skin is gone, guess what happens?  Your skin makes more oil to compensate for not having any to protect itself!   Daily stripping of oil can lead to chronic clogged pores in addition to irritation, sensitivity and dehydration.  It's a vicious cycle.  What I have learned is that part of a good daily skin care routine includes keeping your skin balanced so as to reduce or eliminate skin irritation, sensitivity and dehydration as well as protect it from the environment.

Sensation

The skin houses millions of nerve end fibers that detect stimuli and send messages to our brain so that we can feel and respond. 

Heat Regulation

Our skin adjust to warm and cool our body.  If our body is hot, we cool ourselves by sweating through our sweat glands.  If we are cold, our blood flow decreases and our vessels constrict. 

Excretion

Our sweat glands detoxify our bodies by excreting salt and unwanted toxins via sweat.

Secretion

Sebum, secreted through the sebaceous glands helps keep the skin soft, protected and hydrated.  It also lubricates the hair and slows down water evaporation.

Absorption

While absorption is limited, our skin can absorb oxygen and discharge carbon dioxide.  It can also produce Vitamin D when exposed to sun.

I think the last function of skin is the impression it gives others so take care of your skin and all of its amazing abilities!  Take care!

Karen