Your Skin Is a Superhero: How to Support Your Body’s Biggest Organ
When you think of organs, you may think of your heart, lungs, and kidneys.
The skin is the most visible organ in the body.
The skin plays a crucial role in protecting your body from harmful organisms and regulating body temperature.
It is more than what you see in the mirror. Good skin health can lead to better health.
“The layers of your skin can do a lot, so we’re going to peel back the layers and show you how to care for this superhero organ.”
The skin accounts for about 15 percent of your body weight, says Barry Goldman, MD, a New York-based private dermatologist affiliated with Cornell Medical Center.
It serves many purposes.
Goldman says that it is part of a team of organs.
“You can’t view the skin as simply something that wraps or covers up the body,” says Kemunto Mokaya (“Dr. Kemmy”), MD, a board certified dermatologist and author of “Live and Look Younger.” “It’s an important and essential organ system that’s complex and has many roles.”
The skin is a superhero organ.
- provide immunity
- Protect internal body parts and functions.
- Release sweat.
- synthesize vitamin D
- make melanin
- Allow us to differentiate between things using touch.
Protects us from invaders
The top layer of the skin, or the epidermis, is the front line — literally — when it comes to defending our bodies against harmful external forces, like viruses.
“Intact skin can prevent pathogens from gaining a foothold,” says Goldman. “A disrupted skin barrier allows bacteria and viruses to penetrate deeper into the skin and cause infection.”
This superhero organ will fight even if it is penetrated by a pathogen.
According to a 2020 review, skin cells team up and organize immune signals to help the body protect against and attack pathogens.
“White blood cells from the body constantly circulate through the skin, conducting immune surveillance,” Goldman says.
The skin also contains
The sebaceous glands also secrete oil that adds another layer of protection against foreign substances. As a bonus, it keeps the skin soft.
Sheaths the muscles, bones, internal organs and nervous system
The skin has protective properties that go beyond immunity.
Goldman says that the third layer of skin, the hypodermis or subcutis, is composed of fat that serves as a natural shock absorber.
If the body experiences trauma, such as a fall or car crash, this fat is essentially a thick cushion that stifles the blow and keeps our internal body safe.
Releases sweat
Sweat isn’t simply a sign of a workout well done.
Mokaya saysSweat helps to cool the skin and prevent the body from overheating.
Sweating occurs through
Whether the body can “sweat out toxins” is a topic of debate.
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Still, a
Synthesizes vitamin D
Mokaya says that the skin produces vitamins D and E. The body has multiple uses for the vitamins D and D3.
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- bone health
- protection against Skin cancer can be very dangerous.s
- Immune function.
- There is a condition called Psoriasis. management
- reduced risk and decreased severity of atopic dermatitis
Contains melanin
Goldman notes that the epidermis contains melanin, a pigment that determines an individual’s skin color. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin tone will be.
Melanin does a lot more than determine your skin’s color. Goldman says it also protects against UV rays from the sun. These rays are responsible for:
- sunburn
- Skin cancer can be very dangerous.
- Aging is premature.
- reduced collagen production
- reduced skin elasticity
Affects touch
“If you couldn’t pet your dog, cuddle a loved one or feel the warmth of a fuzzy blanket, what would life be like? The skin makes us feel pain and pleasure.”
Mokaya says that the skin allows you to feel pain and pressure. It can detect temperatures such as heat and cold.
The skin has powerful touch receptors.
- thermoreceptors that help determine temperature.
- nociceptors that let you know when something is painful, like a wound.
- mechanoreceptors to identify pressure, such as a firm handshake.
There are a lot of skin care products. It can be difficult to find a list of the latest products.
There are simple ways to care for your skin. It may be a surprise to you that you should look outside the beauty aisle.
Care from the inside out
Some dermatologists say that the adage, “You are what you eat” is true when it comes to skin care.
Mokaya recommends foods rich in calories.
- antioxidants, including dark, leafy greens, spinach, kale, and berries to counteract free radicals and environmental damage
- monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds to strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier
- probiotics, like yogurt, and prebiotics, found in high fiber items like fruit and vegetables to enhance the skin’s barrier
Mokaya suggested limiting the amount of sugar in food.
What your skin really needs to be healthy
There are many skin care products to choose from. Mokaya suggests cutting down on your routine to a few basic products.
Everyone should invest in this.
- a good cleanser that suits your skin type and needs
- a moisturizer that suits your skin type and needs
- a broad-spectrum sunscreen
Unexpected self-care activities that support the skin
“It doesn’t mean just a day at the spa when it comes to self-care.”
Experts share a few at- home activities that can help your superhero.
- Exercise: Mokaya and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) say Exercise. increases blood flow to all organs, including the skin. The AAD recommends using a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide post-sweat session to clear pores and prevent breakouts.
- Sleep: Mokaya says the skin regenerates during sleep. Adults 18 to 60 years old should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep a night, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . - Go outside: Goldman notes the air inside is often drier, particularly when the heat is on during the cooler months. Going outside can reduce this issue and relieve stress, which can trigger There is a problem with the skin according to a
2017 study .
Your skin is very important to your health. Try these tips to keep your skin looking good.
Declutter your vanity cabinet
“If you haven’t sorted through your skin products in a while, now is a good time.”
“Goldman suggests checking the expired products’ dates since they may irritate the skin.”
“Mokaya suggests taking a less is more approach. Don’t fix it if it’s not broken, no matter what the new trend is on social media.”
She says that less can be more when it comes to skin care. A consistent regimen of a few products that work well together and are interwoven correctly can often yield better results than trying new products all the time.
Get warmer in the shower
“Goldman says that your skin isn’t a fan of a long, hot shower.”
Goldman says hot water removes natural moisturizing factors from your skin.
Goldman suggests drinking water that is warm. He recommends keeping the water at a temperature between 95 and 99F (30 and 37.2C) and not more than 105F (40.5C).
He says that the water temperature is probably too high if your skin is red.
Find the right sunscreen
There are many sunscreens available. Goldman says it is essential to find a broad-spectrum option that protects against the two rays.
Here are the AAD‘s suggestions:
- “SPF 30 or above is recommended. SPF 30 sunscreen will block 97 percent of the sun’s rays.”
- Adults should apply 1 oz of sunscreen to their body.
- Wait 15 minutes after the application is approved to go outside.
- Reapply after swimming or sweating.
Dress for safe sun success
“Even with sunscreen, you will never be able to block all of the sun’s rays. Goldman says you can add more protection to your outfit.”
He recommends something.
- A hat.
- There are sunglasses.
- The clothing has a UPF 50 rating.
Learn your skin type
Mokaya suggests that you choose your product selection based on your skin type.
The commonly recognized skin types include:
- It is oily andgreasy.
- It was dry.
- It is sensitive andirritates easily.
- The combination is greasy andflay.
Different ingredients are best for different skin types.
For example:
- Benzoyl peroxide can be beneficial for oily or There is a problem with the skin-prone skin.
- Fragrance-free products are ideal for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.
- Dry skin can be helped by oil or cream products.
A dermatologist can help you pick out the right products.
Consider a vitamin D supplement
Your body gets its vitamins from the sun.
Still, Daniel Glass, a UK-based dermatologist with The Dermatology Clinic London, says taking a supplement can help if you’re deficient.
A simple blood test can check your levels.
Reduce smoking
Smoking cigarettes can affect skin health.
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It may be associated with skin conditions.
- There is a condition called Psoriasis.
- hidradenitis suppurativa is a disease.
- There are chronic dermatoses.
- Alopecia
- The disease, called lysosomal acid liposomal storage disorder, is called lysosomal acid liposomal storage disorder.
- Light eruption of polymorphous.
The
De-stress
Stress can cause inflammation in the body, which can affect the skin in a number of ways.
- Aging is premature.
- There is a problem with the skin
- eczema flare-ups
Her favorite activities are de-stressing.
- yoga
- mediation and breathing.
- Exercise.
- scenic walks with a partner
- listening to music
If you have trouble controlling stress, you should seek the help of a therapist.
The skin is a superhero organ that protects you from disease and fights pathogens. It provides a barrier for bones, muscles, joints and internal organs.
You can give back to your skin with a diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, Exercise., and lots of stress relief. They all play a role in keeping this wonder organ happy and healthy.
Beth Ann Mayer is a New York-based freelance writer and content strategist who specializes in health and parenting writing. Her work has been published in Parents, Shape, and Inside Lacrosse. She is a co-founder of digital content agency Lemonseed Creative and is a graduate of Syracuse University. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.
