Your Skin And The Sun

Main Function of the Skin

Protection

Acting as an elastic, resistant physical barrier, the skin prevents the entry of pathogens / foreign objects into the body. It even protects itself by secreting special protective substances that assist in preventing infections. And through the natural tanning process, it even helps to protect against the harmful effects of the sun.

Regulation of body temperature

The skin contains far more than enough blood to meet its own requirements, allowing for the precise control of energy loss via radiation, convection and conduction.

Sensation of the environment

With millions of sensory receptors and nerve cells located at different depths within the dermis, the skin enables the body to sense its environment.

Metabolism

Skin exposed to sunlight converts cholesterol to vitamin D, a fat-soluble compound that is essential for metabolism. Skin also produces proteins that aid in the natural turnover of collagen.

Storage of blood

The dermis is highly vascular, holding approximately 5% of the body’s total blood volume. Blood vessels within the skin constrict and shunt blood to other parts of the body, making blood available when needed.

Excretion

The skin excretes certain substances from the body through perspiration, which releases metabolic wastes, water and salt.

Skin permeability

The skin is not completely impermeable, and this has an impact on the efficacy of topically applied mediations. Skin permeability is influenced by location on the body, age, skin conditions, heat, hydration and skin continuity.