When you think of organs, your heart, lungs, and kidneys may be first to come to mind.
But you might be overlooking your body’s largest and most visible organ: the skin.
Far from simply looking pretty, the skin plays a crucial role in protecting your body from harmful organisms and regulating body temperature.
It’s much more than something you see in the mirror every day. Good skin health can lead to better overall health.
Read on to peel back the layers of what your skin can really do and how you can best care for this superhero organ. What does the skin actually do?
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 also serves multiple purposes.
“It’s part of a team of organs that work together,” Goldman says.
The skin is a superhero organ for its ability to:
provide immunity
cover and protect internal body parts and functions
release sweat
synthesize vitamin D
make melanin
allow us to differentiate between textures, temperatures, a Releases sweat
Sweat isn’t simply a sign of a workout well done.
“Sweat helps to cool the skin and prevent the body from overheating,” Mokaya says.
Apocrine glands open into the hair follicle and can be found on the scalp, armpits, and groin.
Whether the body can “sweat out toxins” is a topic of debate.
A 2016 study Trusted Source suggested heavy metal levels were lower in individuals who regularly exercised.
A 2011 study Trusted Source indicated sweat was a potential way to remove Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical frequently found in plastics.
Still, a 2019 review Trusted Source called for more well-controlled studies to clarify whether sweat plays a meaningful role in eliminating toxins Synthesizes vitamin D
When the skin is exposed to the sun, it produces vitamin D, says Mokaya. Vitamin D serves multiple purposes in the body.
A 2015 review Trusted Source indicated it might help with:
bone health
protection against skin cancers
immune function
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
premature aging
reduced collagen production
reduced skin elasticity
Affects touch
What would life be if you couldn’t pet your dog, cuddle a loved one, or feel the warmth of a fuzzy blanket? Thanks to the skin, we can feel the pain and pleasure of touch.
“The skin allows you to feel and recognize pain [and] pressure,” Mokaya says. “It deciphers textures and also detects temperatures such as heat and cold.”
The skin does this through tiny but powerful touch receptors, including:
Nociceptors that let you know when something is painful, like a wound.
Mechanoreceptors to identify pressure, such as a firm handshake.
How to care for your superhero skin
Skin care products are a dime a dozen. Looking at a list of the latest so-called “must-have” products can be overwhelming.
But experts say there are simple ways to care for your skin. It may come as a surprise that you might want Care from the inside out
Some dermatologists say there’s truth to the adage, “You are what you eat,” at least when it comes to skin care.
Mokaya recommends foods rich in:
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 highly processed and sugary foods when possible.
Research suggests Trusted Source a link between high-sugar diets and acne, and a 2021 study indicated Trusted Source that eating processed food is associated with atopic dermatitis.
What your skin really needs to be healthy
There are more than enough skin care products to choose from. Mokaya suggests paring down your routine to only a few basic products.
She says everyone should invest in:
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
Self-care is an essential part of skin care — and that doesn’t mean simply a day at the spa.
Experts share a few at-home activities that can give your superhero organ a boost, including:
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)Trusted Source.
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 acne, according to a 2017 study Trusted Source.to look outside the beauty aisle. In the body.
You must be logged in to post a comment.