Skin: An Understanding for Its Care

The skin is your body’s largest organ and its care can sometimes pose a challenge.

Your skin protects your internal body from heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. In addition, it helps regulate body temperature, stores water and fat, and produces vitamin D.

There are two main layers to your skin. The outer is referred to as the epidermis and the inner dermis.

The epidermis is mostly made up of flat cells called squamous cells. Round basal cells lie under the squamous cells in the epidermis and contain melanocytes.

Melonocytes produce melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color. When your skin is exposed to the sun melanocytes produce more pigment. Pigment is what causes your skin to tan, or darken.

As for the dermis, it contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, hair follicles, and glands. Some of these glands produce sweat, which helps regulate body temperature.

Other glands produce sebum, which is that oily substance keeping your skin from drying out. Sweat and sebum reach the skin’s surface through tiny openings called pores.

Keep your skin healthy by keeping it clean and protected.