The skin is the largest human organ and in adults covers a total surface of about 2 square metres and has a total weight of about 4.5-5 kilograms. The skin not only gives the body’s appearance and shape, it also serves other important functions too.
PROTECTION
Our skin protects us from outside irritants such as chemicals, the sun’s UV-radiation and bacteria, the heat or cold and environmental impact.
SENSATION
The dermis layer contains nerve endings for skin sensation. The nerve endings react to touch, pressure, heat, cold, vibration and tissue injury.
HEAT REGULATION
The skin regulates body temperature. The production of sweat, which evaporates on the skin’s surface, cools us down. The skin regulates body temperature through sebaceous glands.
ABSORPTION
Oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide enter your skin in small amounts. As a result of this, medicine by ointments and patches can be used by doctors. Cosmetic and skin care products can also enter the skin and penetrate the bloodstream this way.
EXCRETION
Sweating is the process by which the skin can eliminate waste products, such as urea, through the sweat glands.
SECRETION
The sebaceous glands excrete oil to lubricate and maintain the health of the skin.