If you were to ask the average person on the street how many separate systems are there that comprise the human body, you would get a wide range of responses. Some of those responses may range from a look of being lost to the correct answer of 11. Those systems that comprise the human body include the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Each of these unique systems is critical to the health of the individual.

In addition, there is one important human body system that is not often thought about, but is extremely critical in maintaining the health of the other systems. That system is known as the integumentary system or the skin.

Therefore, because the skin serves as the first line of defense, it is important to know what makes up the skin system, dangers to the skin and how to provide skin care.

What The Skin Is Comprised Of

Biologically speaking the skin of the average individual is comprised of three layers. The outer layer, being the more protective layer, is called the epidermis. This epidermis is generally tougher in nature and therefore stronger and more pliable.

The second layer of skin is called the dermis. The dermis is more sensitive in nature and embedded in the dermis are the nerve endings, hair follicles, oil and sweat glands. The third layer of skin is called the hypodermis. This layer is comprised of fatty tissue and also contains various specialized cells.

This composition of skin makes this organ extremely important. This is because it is the first line of defense against heat, cold, infection, etc. Also, the skin helps to maintain the temperature of the body. It accomplishes this through perspiration and storage of fat.

Dangers To The Skin

However, just like any other major organ within the body, it is important that attention be given to maintain the health of the skin. This skin care must be accomplished as there are many environmental dangers that can adversely affect the health of the human skin.

One of the negative influences that can affect the health of the skin is too much exposure to the sun. Obviously, there are some positive influences that the sun can exert on the body, but like anything else too much exposure to a good thing can be detrimental.

Specifically, one of the benefits of exposure to the sun is the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D has been scientifically proven to help combat cancer of the skin. However too much exposure to the sun can negate this benefit and in fact increase the risk of skin cancer.

That is why it is important to limit the skin's exposure to sunlight. This can be done by avoiding the intense sunlight of the day from the hours of 10 AM to four PM. Also another preventive measure to avoid the intensity of the sun is to apply the proper UV protection lotion. In addition, it is important to cover the exposed parts of the body if needing to be in the outdoors.

Providing Skin Care

Therefore, given the importance of the skin and the important contribution that it provides to the health of the body it is important to practice quality skin care. This quality skin care can be accomplished in a number of ways.

One of the most basic ways that you can provide quality skin care is to ensure that the skin is clean. This can be accomplished with mild soap. Also, it is important to exfoliate one's skin. This process is simply a mild scrubbing of the skin to remove the dead skin. Removal of the dead skin will allow the pores of the skin to remain unclogged and prevent the buildup of oil.

Also, it is important to apply a quality lotion. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if your skin produces a large quantity of oil then use an oil free lotion. If your skin is dry or flaky, then it is best to use a moisturizing lotion or cream

By practicing good skin care techniques, the individual will help to reduce the possibilities of cancer, wrinkling of the skin as well as maintain its elasticity.