6 Functions of the Skin

The skin is a very complex organ. It contains thousands of tiny pores and hair follicles. The skin is broken up into 3 different layers, the epidermis or top layer, dermis, and subcutaneous layer. Each of these layers performs important roles in keeping our body healthy. The skin performs six primary functions which include, protection, absorption, excretion, secretion, regulation and sensation.

Protection

The skin functions as our first line of defense against toxins, radiation and harmful pollutants. Skin contains cells that provide immune functions to protect against infections. Our skin has the ability to identify and destroy foreign substances that may potentially be harmful to the body. For added skin protection I highly recommend investing in a good sunscreen. Linked below is my favorite. 

IMAGE Skincare Prevention+ Daily Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30+, 3.2 Oz

Absorption

Thousands of pores on the surface of the skin can absorb vitamins, acids, water and oxygen in order to provide moisture and nourishment to our skin.

Excretion

The skin is the body’s largest waste removal system. Toxins are released through the sweat glands and pores.

Secretion

The skin secretes sebum, a mixture of oils that keeps the skin soft and supple. The layer of sebum on the outermost layer of the skin is known as the acid mantle. When intact the acid mantle has a PH that ranges from 4.5-5.5. The acid mantle is acidic in nature to protect the skin from outside invasion.

Regulation

The skin regulates the body’s temperature by sweating; when water from sweat on the skin evaporates it gives off heat and cools the body.  The body’s temperature increases or by shivering or getting goosebumps when the body is cold. The contraction of muscles releases energy that warms the body.

Sensation

The skin contains millions of nerve endings that transport stimuli. These nerve endings allow humans to detect sensation such as heat, cold, pain and pressure.

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Sources: Salon fundamentals Esthetics Textbook: The Integumentary System