5 Skin Functions and How to Maintain Their Health
The skin is one of the most important organs of the
human body. There are various functions of the skin, including covering the
organs in the body, muscles, and cells in them. To maximize the function of the
skin, you need to maintain its health condition.
The skin consists of various components, including
water, protein, fat, several types of minerals, and chemical compounds. The
average adult skin weight is around 2.7 kilograms. The skin consists of three
main layers, namely the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The three layers
have different roles in the structure of the skin.
Five Functions of the Skin
In general, there are five functions of the skin for
the body, namely:
- Protect the body
As the most extensive body organ, the skin has a
protective function of the body, which functions to protect muscles, bones,
ligaments, blood vessels, nerve cells, and organs in the body. The skin also
plays an important role in the body's immune system to protect itself from
harmful germs. When the skin is injured, such as a wound in the knee, good
wound care is needed to prevent infection.
- Maintain body temperature
The skin can respond to rising or falling body
temperatures, which are sent in the form of signals from the brain. To cool the
body that is hot, sweat glands will make the body sweat through the skin.
- Store fat and help the synthesis process
The skin functions as a storage center for water and
fat. This fat is responsible for supporting the muscles and bones to stay
attached. Then allows the process of synthesis of vitamin D obtained from
sunlight.
- Become a sense of taste
The skin has a variety of nerve endings that
function as a sense of human taste for hot or cold temperatures, touch,
vibration, pressure, to pain and other sensations.
- Supports appearance
The skin is an organ that is first seen by others.
With its color and texture, the skin can support one's appearance,
attractiveness, and self-confidence.
Tips for Maintaining Skin Health
As you age, the skin will change. The skin is no
longer soft or tight at a young age. In addition, the skin also tends to be
drier, thinner, and prone to interference.
Although the skin will naturally regenerate every 27
days, skin care is still needed to maintain optimal skin function. Some ways
that can be done include:
- Clean the skin twice a day
Before going to bed at night, it is important to get
used to cleaning the face, including removing all makeup that is still attached
to the face. It is recommended to use soap without fragrance. You are also
recommended to take a shower at least 2 times a day, to clean the surface of
the skin from various dust, dirt, and germs that may stick to the skin.
- Use a moisturizer every day
Keep the skin moist every day, it is important to
do, so that the skin does not experience dryness, or irritation. For your body
you can use a type of hand & body lotion moisturizer, while for the facial
skin area, use a special moisturizer for the face (can also be adapted to the type
of facial skin).
- Use sunscreen when outdoors activities
Ultraviolet rays from the sun can affect the aging
process on the skin. It is recommended to use sunscreen every day. Take
advantage of sunscreen products with SPF 30 or more, which protect against UVA
and UVB. Limit sun exposure at 10 am to 2 pm which has the strongest
ultraviolet exposure. Complete with long-sleeved clothes, long pants, hats, or
other protectors.
In addition to some of the above, reducing smoking
can also help maximize skin function. Smokers are known to have more wrinkles
than nonsmokers of the same age and skin color.
Maintaining healthy skin is important to maximize
skin function. If you experience complaints on the skin, immediately consult
these conditions with a dermatologist so they can be treated.