“I love my skin, do you?”
There are different types of skin. According to colour or texture. Skin comes in various forms. The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. The skin protects us from microbes and the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and permits the sensations of touch, heat, and cold. The skin has three layers; the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, the one with colour which gives our skin tone. The dermis contains tough connective tissues, hair follicles and sweat glands. The hypodermis is a deeper subcutaneous tissue that contains fat and connective tissues. We get our skin colour from a group of specialised cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin.
Skin can be categorized based on colour. According to colour, we have pale white skin, fair skin, darker white skin, light brown skin, brown skin and dark brown or black skin. These skin types were derived from the Fitzpatrick skin type analysis. However according to cosmetology, skin types are not just about colour. These include normal skin, oily skin, dry skin, combination skin(oily and dry) and sensitive skin.
The skin is known to perform several functions. It serves as protection, sensation, storage and synthesis, thermoregulation and water resistance.
There are a number of conditions that affect the skin. Some include skin rashes, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, acne, cellulitis, skin abscess, hives, shingles and ringworm.
When it comes to skin testing, the tests include skin biopsy, allergy testing and tuberculosis skin test.
There are also lots of skin treatments depending on the type of skin condition. Corticosteroids, antibiotics, antiviral drugs, antifungal drugs, antihistamines, skin surgeries, immune modulators and skin moisturizers are all examples of treatments for skin diseases.
To protect the skin from diseases, shower regularly, use sunscreens, use gentle cleansers on the face, perform regular skin checks and mole checks, don’t tan indoors or outdoors, quit smoking if you do and find a healthy way to manage stress well.
Now we know a little about skin, we will take it in bits so we can build up on it.
It doesn’t end here.
