Fun Facts about Skin
Do you know
Our body’s largest organ is skin and it sheds over 500 million skin cells each day. These are replaced by new skin cells every day so; you practically have new skin every 30 days.
Just one inch of skin has approximately 19 million cells out of which approximately 50-60K are melanocytes (cells that produce skin pigment melanin), 1000 nerve endings, around 700 sweat glands and 20 blood vessels.
The patterns on one’s fingertips are due to projections in the dermis layer of the skin which are pushed outwards on the skin surface.
‘Goosebumps’ are a leftover from our ancestors, who had thick coats of hair that trapped air to insulate them from the cold and they occur when tiny muscles in the hair follicles contract, causing the hair to stand up.
Due to evolution, females, in general, have lighter skin tone than males because lighter skin tone produces and maintains vitamin D better which is required for calcium absorption during pregnancy.
Skin cancer represents the world’s most common cancer, and incidences of skin cancer have increased substantially in the recent decade, with the highest incidence observed in fair-skinned populations.
Unlike many other organs in the human body, the skin has an immediate reaction to emotions. The connection between skin and mind is deep and there is a special field to study it called Psychodermatology.
For example, majority of the studies have found a positive correlation between vitiligo, dermatitis, psoriasis and other disorders to Sadness/depression, Fear/anxiety and Anger.
Under stress, there is increased inflammation and decreased blood flow to the skin, irritating the skin nerves and increasing allergic reactions leading to conditions like Rosacea, Acne, and Psoriasis.
So, What is Skin?
Skin is the largest organ of our body and the heaviest too. Its main purpose is to provide a protective covering around the inside of our bodies. Skin also has a particular look, feel and texture which gives us certain personality.
Skin protects us from external environment by becoming a barrier for elements like UV radiation, chemicals, pollution, heat and cold and most importantly pathogenic microorganisms.
It basically has three layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis
Epidermis is the outmost layer of our skin and, in turn is made of several layers. Interestingly, the first 20-30 layers of epidermis are made of dead cells which keep on shedding. Next layer of epidermis makes new skin cells like a factory, constantly replacing the dead cells above. The shedding and replacing is so fast that you practically have a new skin in around 30 days.
The most important cells found in epidermis are called keratinocytes which primarily act as a wall against UV rays, water loss, heat and microorganisms.
Another type of cells found in epidermis are melanocytes which produce a pigment called melanin that gives color and tone to your skin; more melanin results in darker tone and less results in lighter tone. The main function of melanin is to absorb the harmful UV radiation which causes skin damage which can result in premature aging and even skin cancer.
Just to elaborate further, epidermis has five layers, stratum corneum (horny layer in Latin), stratum lucidum (shiny, bright), stratum granulosum (granule shaped), stratum spinosum (spiny), stratum germinativum (layer of newly born cells).
The second layer of skin, dermis, has a lot more going in it. It has blood supply, sweat glands, oil ducts and hair follicles. It is a connective tissue which protects us from stress and strain and provides strength and elasticity. This is the layer which also gives us sense of touch and temperature as it has pressure receptors, pain and heat receptors.
Dermis also has two regions. The papillary region contains most of the receptors and has finger like projections to increase the surface area for the receptors. This is evident on your fingertips where these projections create a pattern unique to every individual.
Next region in dermis is the reticular region which contains protein fibers such as collagen and elastin which gives elasticity, strength, and structure to skin.
The last and deepest layer of skin is the hypodermis. Its main role is to attach the skin to the muscles and bones inside your body. Hence, it has a lot of connective tissue, fat and elastin protein. Elastin helps regain the normal shape of skin after stretching, fat ensures that your body is well insulated from environmental elements and provides cushion to bones and muscles in case you have a fall.
This is how complex the recipe of making our skin, and, to add a little spice, there are immune cells called Langerhans cells which, in case of barrier damage, seek out harmful microorganisms and take care of them.
Many times we take our bodies for granted and abuse it but, after knowing what miracle nature and evolution has done, I think we should respect and take care of our body.
Reference:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/10978-skin
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320435#summary
J Hum Evol. 2000 Jul; The evolution of human skin coloration
Int journal of women’s dermatology, 2021
Environment, Lifestyle and its effect on Skin Health
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