Your Skin has a CV
Beep Beep! In today's exploration, we will stop at different stations to learn how the skin functions. This organ makes its presence known, as it accounts for 14-17% of a person's weight. As part of its unique anatomy, the epidermal layer of the skin contains pockets of hydrophobic lipids in its outer layer (think of a filter). In the inner layer, there is a sheet of pouch cells that are hydrophilic and have insoluble proteins such as proline-rich proteins and large proteins such as filaggin and cystain. These proteins overlay to form a thick barrier. In general, keratin is the dominant protein that determines skin structure and thickness. The overall structure of the skin affects how well it can perform its daily duties. Here is a list of the skin's daily responsibilities:
absorption
changes relating to age and gender
safety
sensation
thermoregulation
vitamin D production
water storage
First stop: absorption
Considering the anatomy of the skin, it is more inclined to absorb lipophilic compounds on its outer surface because of its lipid envelopes. However, it also absorbs hydrophilic substances selectively. When discussing hydration and dryness, this is proper maintenance. Applying lotions, creams, and oil-based patches to your skin is a good example of this. In most lotions, water is a common ingredient.
Next station: changes relating to age and gender
The skin changes as you age. Compared to adult skin, infant skin is less durable and less firm. Infants are more likely to experience water loss and infections due to their thin barrier. Unfortunately, we have a slight advantage over infants until aging takes hold. Over time, the thickness of the skin naturally decreases. Activities that maintain our epidermis and skin in general lose their vigor and become slack. Once you reach your 30s, this harsh reality usually sets in. A decline in collagen production leads to wrinkles and saggy skin as we age. Dermal elasticity is attributed to collagen. It is interesting to note that women have lower levels of collagen than men. In addition, certain drugs, such as corticosteroids, have been known to thin the dermis.
Next stop: safety
The protective role of the skin is mediated by a variety of players and mechanisms. Antimicrobial peptides, Langerhans cells, transient epidermal T cells are ready for the smoke when they encounter unknown bacteria, fungi, or viruses. The lipid compounds found on the skin protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that can cause problems. UVR such as UVC, UVB, or UVA produce different negative outcomes when exposed in excess. Symptoms can include DNA damage, halted DNA synthesis, cell death, erythema, and epidermal cancer in the worst case scenario. Always keep sunscreen handy. Regardless of whether your skin is as dark as Nutella or lacks melanin like cauliflower, you should apply it to your skin.
Next station: sensation
The last script briefly discussed this section. Throughout the skin, sensory nerve endings send signals to the brain, specifically to the sensory cerebral cortex, which results in reflex actions. In response to a sharp object striking a person, he or she will back away. As you read this, there are internal dialogues taking place within your body in order to keep things aligned.
Next stop: thermoregulation
A negative feedback system, which involves the skin, skeletal muscles, sweat glands, and hypothalamus, keeps the human body's core temperature at around 37 Celsius during different climates. If the core body temperature falls below 37 Celsius, the hypothalamus sends impulses (text messages) to the skin to constrict blood vessels and tells the skeletal muscles to start shivering to create heat. As soon as the target temperature is reached, the negative feedback system ceases their operation. Conversely, if the core body temperature is higher than 37 Celsius, the hypothalamus stimulates the sweat glands to release sweat and widens the blood vessels to promote heat loss. When temperature reaches normal, negative feedback stops.
Transfer to vitamin D production
Ultraviolet light is used by the skin to convert 7-dehydrocholestrol into cholecalciferol-Vitamin D3. Bone production, maintenance, and integrity depend on this. To produce cholecalciferol, keratinocytes initiate the process. Healthy skin produces much more cholecalciferol than dietary intake. Vitamin D is more challenging to obtain through the skin for pregnant women, indoor dwellers, and the elderly. A decline in vitamin activity can also lead to osteoporosis as we age. There are, however, ways to counteract this.
Final stop: water storage
Human skin is one of the body's water storage units. It maintains normal water and electrolyte levels during normal operation. Skin contains about 18-20% water. It is a sign of water loss when our skin cracks or chaps. Due to a lack of water, the immune system residing on the skin is compromised, making it vulnerable to harmful substances. For proper skin health, it is imperative to consume water and electrolytes regularly.
We have reached our destination and reviewed the many roles that skin plays in our health. For skin to function properly, it interacts with other organs and plays several roles. We need to recognize this commitment. Let's give our skin its roses now for what it does. Next, we will discuss the importance of a healthy microbiome to human health. Until next, Stay Strong & Stay Vivid!
Reference:
1. Skowron. K. et al. (2021). Human Skin Microbiome: Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on Skin Microbiota. MDPI. h https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9030543.
2. Ratanapokasatit. Y. et al. (2022). How Microbiomes Affect Skin Aging: The Updated Evidence and Current Perspectives. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12070936.
3. De Pessemier. B. et al. (2021). Gut-Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020353.
