6 Things Your Skin Does & Why Care?

Published: September 29, 2015

This may sound like a silly question but have you been taking care of your skin? We’re all about taking care of our heart and lungs but did you know the skin is the body’s largest and heaviest organ? Most of us don’t really think of the skin as an organ but it is. Think of skin as your body armor which protects you from harmful exposure to the elements around you. That is why taking care of our skin is so important. This brief article is going to give you 6 reasons why taking care of your skin is so important. We will also provide several ways you can practice good skin care at home and work.

6 Things Your Skin Does

1. Your skin protects you from germs and infection -
Without your skin, all of the dirt, germs, grime, and disease would have easy access to your vital organs. You would quickly die from an infection. Proper wound care allows your skin to heal (repair/regenerate) the wound site and once again continue to protect your body.

2. Your skin protects you from the sun -
Sunlight also helps produce vitamin D in your skin. Our skin has special cells called melanocytes which produce and store pigment(melanin). When we are exposed to the sun for periods of time, the melanin pigment gets darker. In this way, melanin protects us from the sun's UV rays.

3. Your skin helps protect your bones and insulate -
The deepest layer of the skin is made up of tissue and fat that can help absorb the impact of a fall. It protects the bones, muscles, and joints from external impacts like a fall or when struck by something. It also serves to help insulate the body and keep it warm

4. Your skin helps cool the body -
sweat glands are also part of the structure of the skin. These glands produce a liquid that is spread over the skin to help cool the skin throughout the process of evaporation.

5. Your skin diffuses water and nutrients throughout the body -
While it is like armor, our skin also helps to spread vital nutrients and fluids throughout our system, maintaining health.

6. Your skin helps transmit feelings like pressure and pain.
The skin’s nervous system helps us feel pressure, pain, and thermal sensations like hot and cold. This serves as a natural warning system, preventing us from injuring our bodies.

Why Care?
OK, now imagine your body was not able to perform these duties because your skin was seriously damaged. When you damage your skin, your body loses the ability to perform some of these vital tasks. Exposure to chemicals and other contaminants can damage your skin. Poor skin care can lead to cracked skin that gets infected. That is why it is so important to take care of your body's largest and heaviest organ.

What You Should Do?
We like the system that a well-known manufacturer of skin care and protectant products recommends. Their 4-point system reminds us of why our skin is so important. Deb products say “Protect”, “Cleanse”, “Sanitize” and “Restore”. Think about it. Be sure to protect your skin from dangerous contaminants, chemicals, and light. Always scrub and clean your skin at least twice a day. Be sure to use sanitizers when applicable and always moisturize your skin so it can do its job protecting you.

Hand Protection Products & Accessories
Work Skin Care Products
Work Glove Products
Medical Glove Products

Additional Resources for Hand Protection & Supplies
Dry Cracked Hands - Winter Strikes Again
Skin & Hand Protection Basics
A Guide to Workplace hand Protection

Contributing Expert

Mike Brinker

Mike Brinker has been working in the first aid industry for over 35 years. He has worked with thousands of businesses,groups, and organizations to provide a healthy and safe work environment. Mike helped create “Make-A-Kit”, the internet's only online first aid kit creation tool. He has also authored many helpful first-aid and safety-related resource articles found at the MFASCO Learning Center.

See all articles from Mike Brinker.