Functions of the Skin
How well do you know skin?? Our skin is truly amazing. Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of the human body…and that other than the brain, it is the most complex? The skin and its many layers comprise what is called the integumentary system. There are 6 primary functions of the integumentary system:
-protection (shields internal tissues from external toxins, pollutants, bacteria and extreme temperatures)
-absorption (vitamins, oxygen, water, and other substances penetrate the skin through thousands of pores)
-secretion (sebum keeps skin soft and pliable)
-excretion (the skin is the body’s largest wast removal system – toxins and waste are released through sweat glands and pores)
-regulation (keeps body temperature where it’s supposed to be)
-sensation (skin contains millions of nerve endings to help us detect heat, cold, pain, pressure, etc.)
So, since our skin does so much for us…it only seems fair that we do our very best to take care of it.
*Source Salon Fundamentals: Esthetics Second Edition ©2007 Pivot Point International Inc.
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