The Integumentary System The skin is the largest organ on your body. It helps protect you from changes in temperature, helps keep infections out and allows you to feel your environment. It is very important to take care of your skin, as well as to know your skin.
The skin consists of three layers the epidermis: the layer you can see. The dermis: the support for the skin and where thermoregulation and healing occur. And finally the hypodermis: the energy storage unit for the skin. The skin also has appendages, one of these appendages include the sebaceous glands which its secretions aid in keeping the skin moist. Knowing that the skin is an organ, it is important to remember to care for it that way. For example: you would not purposely breath in dust or chemicals into your lungs as to not harm the organ. So, why would you put harmful chemicals on your skin? This is why it is important to read the labels on any skin products you buy as well as speak to the cosmetician at the pharmacy regarding what skin products are best for you. What type of skin do you have? There are different skin types including Oily, Combination and Dry. Your skin type is affected by genetics and your internal (hormones, disease processes, etc.) and external environment (stress, medication, etc.). It is important to know your skin type so you can choose appropriate products. Most products will be labeled depending on skin types, but if you are not certain speak with your dermatologist, esthetician or cosmetician. Or you can try this quiz.
If you have any skin conditions requiring special treatments you must speak to your dermatologists before trying out products to make sure there aren't any possible interactions or chemicals in it that may harm or irritate your skin. |