Understanding Your Skin. Understanding Your Skin.

Facts About Skin

20

square feet

of our body is covered by the skin, making it the largest organ in our body

15

percent

of our body weight is made up of skin

3

million

microorganisms make up the skin microbiota

30

layers

of dead skin cells form the outer layer of the epidermis

500

million

skin cells are shed each day

28

DAYS

are needed for skin to renew itself

Skin
Structure

The skin has three basic levels - the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis.

Skin Function

Skin performs many vital functions:

PROTECTION

THERMO
REGULATION

SENSATION

VITAMIN D
SYNTHESIS

PROTECTION

From external physical, chemical, and biological assailants.
From excessive loss of moisture and protein.
From harmful effects of UV radiation.

THERMO
REGULATION

Protects the body from cold or heat, and maintains a constant core temperature.
By producing sweat and dilating blood vessels, the skin helps keep the body cool.

SENSATION

Nerve endings detect temperature, pressure, vibration, touch, and injury.

VITAMIN D
SYNTHESIS

A vitamin essential for the normal absorption of calcium and phosphorous required for healthy bones.