Last Updated on November 24, 2020
What do you know about your skin? Most people know that it is the largest organ in the body, and that’s it (human skin has about 22 square feet and weighs approximately 8 pounds).
You probably never thought about it, but the skin is one of the most important organs. For all species. It not only protects the body against the threats of the outside world, but it also acts as an immune organ – responsible for recognizing intruders and initiating a response to fight them.
That’s another reason why it is so important to have a proper skincare routine throughout your life. It’s not just about keeping it healthy to prevent skin wrinkles as you age. It’s about maintaining a crucial body organ in good shape.
Here are 7 interesting facts you didn’t know about your skin!
1. It Has Three Layers
The human skin is made up of three main layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Epidermis: it’s the outermost layer of the skin. It protects the entire body’s surface like a thick waterproof coat. There are no blood vessels on this layer. Dermis: The dermis is the layer of skin right below the epidermis. It cushions the body and provides the sense of touch and heat due to the nerve endings it contains. Hair follicles, sebaceous glands, blood vessels, and sweat glands are all located in this layer. Subcutaneous tissue: immediately below the dermis lays the subcutaneous tissue. This layer, also known as hypodermis or subcutis, is responsible for connecting the skin to the bones and muscles. Next time you’re playing Trivial Pursuit with your friends, and you got asked, «how many layers does the skin have?», everyone will be impressed about how much you know about this topic!
2. It Helps Regulate Body Temperature
The skin is the thermostat of the human body. It helps regulate body temperature through its blood vessels and the sweating process. When the body is cold, the blood vessels in the skin constrict to keep it warm, and, when the body is hot, the blood vessels dilate, and the sweat glands are activated – the body cools down as sweat evaporates from the surface of the skin. Fun fact: the human body releases, on average, about 0.8 to 1.4 liters (approximately 27.5 to 47 oz) of sweat per hour during exercise. That’s fascinating and explains the need to rehydrate it during an intense workout session.
