Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Naturally, it is essential to take care of it early to keep it healthy as you grow older. But remember, there is no better time than the present.
Most people are familiar with the many ways to protect skin from sun damage and premature aging. However, there are so many surprising facts on skincare out there. The more you know, the better you can care for your skin and control your skin’s aging.
Let’s take a look at some of these interesting facts about skincare.
- Your skin helps regulate your body’s temperature. That is why you sweat when you are hot. Regular sweating can release up to a quart of fluid in a single day. Your skin’s blood vessels also dilate to allow for increased blood flow to cool you down and prevent overheating.
- Your skin regenerates every month. About every 28 days or so, the outer layer of your skin produces new cells on the surface. It takes 28 days for dead skin cells to shed. You can help the process along by proper exfoliation of the skin. Sugar scrubs and exfoliating brushes are great tools to help those dead skin cells along so you can make room for fresh new skin cells.
- Speaking of dead skin cells, did you know that your body sheds tens of thousands (around 30 to 40,000) a day? So not only is your skin the largest organ, but it is also the fastest-growing organ of the human body. The shedding of dead skin cells is not really noticeable to the human eye, but it is remarkable. So many cells are shed in a single day!
- Skin cells change shape. When they are formed, they start out kind of fat and square. Gradually as the cells make their way to the outer layer of your skin, they begin to flatten out.
- Sun damage is considered cumulative from your very first blistering sunburn. To minimize sun damage, always make sure you wear proper sunscreen and skin protection. There is no better time than right now to take more sun damage precautions. If you’re curious as to how much damage your skin can incur over time, you might want to try First Impression Clinic’s Smart Mirror Skin Scanner. The Smart Mirror Skin Scanner can detect sun damage and blemishes under the skin’s surface and provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan to maintain and improve your skin’s health and appearance.
- Sun damage is the primary contributing cause of skin aging. Growing older is inevitable, but sun damage can cause our skin to age even faster. Remember, sun damage is preventable.
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Millions of skin cancers are diagnosed each year. You should make a point to see a skincare specialist or dermatologist for yearly skin cancer screenings.
- Your skin is comprised of three different layers. The outer layer of your skin is called the epidermis, which makes new skin cells. It also produces the pigment melanin, which gives your skin its color. The layer beneath the epidermis is called the dermis. This layer produces sweat and oil and is in charge of hair growth as well. The bottom layer is the hypodermis. Sometimes this is called the subcutaneous fat layer. It pads, protects, and attaches your skin to your muscles and bones.
- Another lesser-known interesting fact about skincare: your gut health and your skin health are closely related. If unbalanced, your gut health can cause skin conditions like acne, rosacea, pigmentation, and other skin maladies. So, a healthy diet is essential for optimal skin wellness. Be sure you’re eating proper nutrients for optimal skin health (and overall wellness). Vitamin D specifically is one of the best vitamins for your skin.
- Chapped lips are a pain. If your lips always seem chapped, it’s because your lips lose moisture rapidly. Your lips are more prone to losing moisture than any other part of your body. With this fact in mind, be sure to keep your lips moisturized with a lip balm or Chapstick of your choosing. A lip moisturizer with SPF is an excellent choice to prevent sun damage to your lips.
- Your skin needs water, but not for the reason you may think. Water flushes out toxins, and the fewer toxins you have in your body, the overall healthier you are. It is no secret that adequate water consumption can help your skin glow. However, drinking water does not treat or prevent dry skin. Dry skin occurs in the top layer of skin, so topical moisturizers and treatments are essential tools for healing and nourishing your skin when it’s dry.
- Dry skin can put you at risk for increased infections. Dry skin is prone to cracking and can even bleed. When this occurs, the skin is susceptible to bacteria, viruses, and even fungi. A barrier only works if there are no entry points.
- Your skin can respond to stress, just like your brain. The skin and the brain are closely connected, considering all of the nerves that lie beneath your skin. Think about it. Your skin can perceive heat, cold, pain, and the sensation of touch. When you’re stressed, anxious, or nervous, your body releases cortisol and inflammatory molecules, which leads to a breakdown of collagen, wrinkles, breakouts, and even hives.
- The most common skin condition in the United States is acne. It affects both men and women, can occur at any age (though it is most common in teenagers during puberty). Acne can occur in areas besides the face, including the back, neck, and arms. Many medicinal and natural remedies can treat acne breakouts. Talk to a skincare specialist to determine what type of treatment may be right for you.
- Contrary to popular belief, hot water does not open your pores. While hot water may cause the outer layers of your skin to swell (think dilated blood vessels under the skin), your pores do not open up when exposed to hot water or heat. It is best to use lukewarm water to wash your face instead of steaming hot water.
- You can actually wash your face too much. Over-washing your face (more than two to three times a day) can eradicate your skin’s natural oils it needs to retain moisture. Using harsh cleansers can also dry out your skin. Using gentle or natural products when washing your face will produce the best results.
- Your skin is slightly acidic! An optimal Ph for skin is around 4.7. This acidity helps your skin protect you from bacteria, pollutants, and allergens.
- Blackheads are not black because they are full of dirt. The black pigment comes for oxidation. Blackheads occur when pores are clogged with dead skin cells and oils. But it is a chemical reaction with oxygen that gives these annoying guys their black dot appearance.
- How your skin ages is 90% within your control, and premature skin aging is 100% preventable. The way our skin ages has much less to do with genetics and much more to do with sun exposure throughout our lifetime. Plus, people with healthier and younger-looking skin tend to take outstanding care of their largest organ. If you are ready to up your skincare game, you should talk with a skincare specialist about skin treatment options. At First Impressions Clinic, we offer a variety of skin treatments that enhance the integrity of your skin and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
- You can still experience sun damage even while indoors. Most windows can block out the sun’s UVB rays. However, the sun also emits UVA rays, which can penetrate through glass windows. UVA can cause wrinkles, and no one wants that. You can prevent this by applying a light SPF moisturizer in the morning after your regular skincare and makeup routine.
Hopefully, these interesting facts about skin have inspired you to make a few amendments to your current skincare routine. Our skin is such a vital organ. Not only does it protect our muscles and bones, but it also is the source of self-confidence and joy in our appearance. It is never too late to elevate your skin’s health and wellness.
If you are interested in exploring skin treatment options or would like to determine your skin’s health with our Smart Mirror Skin Scanner, book a consultation with one of our knowledgeable practitioners at First Impressions Clinic. We offer microdermabrasion, chemical peels, microneedling, blemish spot removal, and more.
Love the skin you are in and love yourself. You are worth it.
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