Lisa Miller Client Service Practice Leader View Bio

The largest and most visible organ of the body is the skin. Your skin helps protect you from harmful organisms and regulates body temperature. Healthy skin plays an important role in physical well-being and leads to better overall health, so it’s essential to pay attention to the signs your skin is giving you.

Follow along for more information on the importance of skin health.

What Does Your Skin Do?

Your skin serves multiple purposes for your body. It’s a complex organ that has many roles, such as:

  • Providing immunity
  • Covering and protecting internal body parts and functions
  • Releasing sweat
  • Synthesizing vitamin D
  • Making melanin
  • Allowing for differentiation between textures, temperatures, and more via touch

There are three layers to the skin. These include the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis is the protective top layer that helps make new skin, protects your body and holds your skin’s color. The dermis helps you grow hair, tells you if something is too hot or cold, produces sweat, and supplies blood. The hypodermis is the innermost layer that cushions muscles and bones, has connective tissues, and regulates body temperature. Your skin is vital to your overall health, so knowing how to best take care of it is essential.

How to Protect Your Skin

There are basic ways you can protect your skin. Good skincare and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay physical signs of aging and various skin problems. Follow these tips to protect your skin and practice healthy habits:

  • Use sunscreen. A sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 is recommended. Sunscreen can help prevent skin damage. Reapply at least every two hours.
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking can age skin and contribute to wrinkles. Smoking damages collagen and elastin in the skin, depletes oxygen from the cells, and contributes to your risk of skin cancer.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Eating healthy can help nourish your skin. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to best care for your skin from the inside out. Also, drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
  • Manage stress. Stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts. To encourage healthy skin, take steps to manage your stress levels. Habits such as getting enough sleep, setting limits to what you can take on, and making time for things you enjoy can help you manage stress.

Learning how to best take care of your skin takes time. Take steps towards improving the health of your skin by practicing healthy habits daily.

Conclusion

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, serving multiple functions and allowing you to feel the world around you. It’s important to take good care of it.

To discuss specific concerns about skin health, talk to your health care provider. For more wellness resources, reach out to your employer.