Skin is one of the most important organs of the human body. There are various functions of the skin, including covering the internal organs, muscles, and the cells in it. To maximize skin function, you need mentake care of their health.
Skin is made up of various components, including water, protein, fat, several types of minerals, and chemical compounds. The average adult skin weight is about 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 bodyAs the largest organ of the body, the skin has a protective function in the body, which is to protect muscles, bones, ligaments, blood vessels, nerve cells, and organs in the body. The skin also plays a very important role in the body's resistance to protect itself from harmful germs and foreign substances or objects, such as pollution. When the skin is injured, for example a wound on the knee, it is necessary to take good care of the wound to prevent infection.
- Maintain body temperatureThe skin can respond to an increase or decrease in body temperature, which is sent as a signal from the brain. To cool a hot body, sweat glands will make the body sweat through the skin.
- Keep fat and helps the synthesis of vitamin DThe skin functions as a storage center for water and fat. This fat is in charge of supporting muscles and bones to keep them attached. Then allow the process of synthesis of vitamin D obtained from sunlight.
- Become a sense of tasteThe skin has a variety of nerve endings that function as a human sense of taste to hot or cold temperatures, touch, vibration, pressure, to pain and other sensations.
- Support appearanceThe skin is the organ that is first seen by others. With its color and texture, skin can support a person's appearance, attractiveness, and self-confidence.
In addition, the skin also plays a role in the excretion system or the disposal of toxins and metabolic waste substances in the body through sweat.
Tips for Maintaining Skin Health
As you age, your skin will experience changes. 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 irritation.
Although the skin will still regenerate naturally every 27 days, skin care is still needed to maintain optimal skin function. Some of the ways this can be done include:
- Clean the skin twice a day
Before going to bed at night, it's important to get in the habit of cleaning your face, including removing all of it makeup which is still on the face. It is recommended to use unscented soap. You are also recommended to 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 moisturizer every day
Keeping 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 kind of moisturizer hand & body lotion, while for the facial skin area, use a special moisturizer for the face (can also be adjusted to the type of facial skin).
- Use sunscreen when you are outdoors
Ultraviolet rays from the sun can affect the aging process of the skin. It is recommended to use sunscreen every day. Take advantage of a sunscreen product with an SPF of 30 or more, which protects against both UVA and UVB. Limit sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where the ultraviolet exposure is strongest. Complete with long sleeves, trousers, hat, or other protection
In addition to some of the ways above, reducing smoking habits 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 a dermatologist for this condition so that it can be treated.