Why You Must Take Care Of The Skin

Can you imagine what we would look like if we had no skin? The skin gives us our good looks. But besides that, the skin has other important functions.
The fact is that our skin needs special attention. Not just because of our appearance. But majorly because of its importance. Let us take a look at some of the functions of the skin.

Body’s defence: 

The skin is the body’s first line of defence against intruders like bacteria and fungi. The skin prevents microorganisms from entering into the body. The skin also protects the internal tissues. The outermost layer of the skin (called epidermis) has cells that are connected to each other to form a waterproof barrier to prevent harmful organisms or substances from entering into the body. It is this waterproof-like barrier that prevents water loss through the skin.

Again, the skin has cells called Langerhans. These cells initiate immune response to fight off any harmful organism present. The skin also allows the growth of healthy bacteria. These healthy bacteria feed on dead cells or oil on the skin. The presence of healthy bacteria prevents the growth of harmful ones on the skin. More so,the body’s pigment (melanin) is produced in the skin. This pigment prevents the uv rays of the sun from entering into the body to damage the cells.

Temperature regulator: The skin acts as the body’s temperature regulator. When the body is hot, the blood vessels under the skin become wider. This increases blood flow thereby bringing more blood to the surface of the skin. Then heat leaves the body through radiation. The sweat gland in the skin also helps to reduce the body’s temperature. When the body is hot, the sweat gland secretes sweat. The sweat leaves the body through the pores on the skin. The sweat cools the body as it evaporates. Additionally, when the temperature is cold, the blood vessels become narrow. This reduces blood flow under the skin. Thus reducing heat loss.

Excretory and sense organ: Like we all know, the skin acts as a waste remover. The skin helps to remove wastes like urea from the body through sweat. Again, the skin is the largest sense organ of the body. The skin contains numerous nerve endings. Thus helping the body to detect pain, pressure, cold and heat.

Skin produces vitamin D: 

Some foods like egg and milk contain vitamin D. But when these foods are not within reach, the sun is also another source of vitamin D. The skin produces vitamin D from the sun when the body is exposed to the sun. Vitamin D is very important for the bones and teeth.

When you take a good look at these functions of the skin coupled with the fact that everyone loves to look good, then you will see reasons why the skin needs to be taken care of properly. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on it. All the skin needs are the following tips;

·         Healthy nutrition

·         Protecting the skin from the sun

·         Avoiding smoking and alcohol

·         Reducing bath time (10 to 15 minutes  is ideal)

·         Using warm water and avoiding hot water

·         Using mild soaps

·         Moisturizing dry skin

·         Managing stress

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