Your skin, which is medically termed the Integumentary System, isn’t just a means to protect or cover your muscles, organs, and bones. In fact, your skin is an organ itself – the largest organ in your body! It helps regulate your body temperature, dispose of waste materials, and plays a vital role in your overall health. The color and appearance of your skin can even define your heritage and ancestry. But there’s more to your skin than you may think. Here are some fun and surprising facts about skin to help you better appreciate this large organ in your body:
- Your skin makes up about 15% of your total body weight.
- The average adult has nearly 21 square feet of skin that contains over 11 miles of blood vessels.
- A single square inch of skin has about 300 sweat glands.
- The thickest skin is found on your feet and the thinnest area of skin is your eyelids.
- Your skin renews itself every 28 days and sheds about 9 pounds of dead skin cells every year.
- Some of the dust in your home may actually be dead skin.
- Your skin has some nerves that are connected to your muscles to help you react more quickly to extreme temperatures or pain.
- Changes in your skin can often be a warning sign of a medical condition or changes in your body’s health.
- There are at least five types of receptors in the skin that respond to pain and touch.
- Sleep is vital for healthy, vibrant, and youthful skin.
How well are you taking care of your skin? Just like your heart, teeth, and stomach, this large organ in your body demands proper attention. Beyond protecting your skin from the sun and washing your skin every day, you should consider yearly checkups from a dermatologist.
Dermatologists specialize in the skin and can recommend tailored treatment plans to keep your skin healthy and beautiful at every stage of life. Contact Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics today to schedule your annual skin exam with some of the most talented skin experts in Atlanta!
