Skin Structure and Functions

Structure of the Skin

• The skin is composed of three main layers:
  1. Epidermis: outermost layer, responsible for protecting the body from external factors
  2. Dermis: middle layer, contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and hair follicles
  3. Hypodermis: innermost layer, attaches the skin to underlying bones and muscles

Functions of the Skin

• Protection: shields the body from external factors such as temperature, moisture, and UV radiation
• Regulation: helps regulate body temperature, maintain fluid balance, and aid in the production of vitamin D
• Sensation: contains nerve endings that allow for the sensation of touch, pressure, and pain
• Excretion: helps remove waste products through sweat

Skin Types

• Normal skin: balanced skin with a smooth texture and a moderate level of moisture
• Dry skin: characterized by a lack of moisture, often leading to itchiness and irritation
• Oily skin: characterized by an overproduction of sebum, often leading to acne and greasiness
• Combination skin: a mix of dry and oily skin, with oily areas typically on the forehead, nose, and chin
• Sensitive skin: easily irritated by products or environmental factors

Skin Conditions

• Acne: a condition characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples
• Eczema: a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by dry, itchy, and scaly skin
• Psoriasis: a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by thick, scaly, and red patches on the skin
• Skin cancer: a range of cancers that affect the skin, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma