Our skin is the outer covering of our body and the first line of defense against many external influences, including physical, chemical, and biological.
Healthy skin is dense to the touch, but also flexible, so it can provide sufficient protection against various mechanical stresses (for example, pressure, erosion effects). It is very important not to scratch, scrape, or press on our skin, as this can cause permanent damage. It is better to seek the advice and help of a cosmetic specialist. Similarly, our skin forms a line of defense against various chemical effects: the hydrophilic lipid layer on the skin surface provides some protection against aqueous solutions, and the acid mantle against alkaline substances.
Our skin also plays an important role in thermoregulation: the outer stratum corneum and fat pads provide our body with sufficient “insulation” against the cold. The hair-tightening muscles also play a part in this work, as their contraction allows more sebum to be released onto the skin surface, thus thickening the lipid layer on the skin surface and protecting the skin from drying out. When we are hot, the blood vessels and pores of our skin dilate, we sweat more intensely, and our skin turns red. In addition, our skin also protects against increased light effects. The light-reflecting keratin produced by the division of basal cells and the urocanic acid found in sweat protect the skin from harmful rays.
In addition, our skin is resistant to pathogens due to its complex functioning. The so-called autogenic sterilization is the external protection of the skin. This is also helped by the individual layers of the epithelium, the hydrophilic lipid layer and the constant exfoliation of the skin. Another segment of the protection against pathogens is the internal defense mechanism of the skin. In this, cells located in different parts of the skin play a prominent role, destroying pathogens that enter the skin.
Our skin also has a small absorption function. This means that there are substances, so-called apolar compounds, that are able to be absorbed into the skin to a small extent along the hair follicles, mixing with the secretion of the sebaceous gland.
Finally, it is worth highlighting skin respiration. This is essential for ensuring a healthy skin appearance. Our skin is able to absorb some of the oxygen it needs for its own functioning from the air and then utilize it. If this skin respiration is obstructed, comedones and acne may develop, and the skin may become dull, lifeless, and gray. This is why it is important to cleanse our skin regularly. Both in the morning and in the evening to remove excess dirt that has accumulated during the day or has been excreted at night. It is also worth taking part in a thorough cosmetic cleansing facial treatment once a month.
