health • skin • Health & Wellness • 4 min read • Oct 21, 2015 12:00:00 AM • Written by: Kat Smith
When it comes to your skin, you may be primarily focused on cosmetic concerns rather than clinical needs. However, your skin can be a reflection of your health, and it should be cared for with the right products and screenings to ensure a healthy appearance. This article will offer a look at some of the most fascinating facts about your skin to help you care for it properly.
The skin is by far your largest organ
Your skin is the largest organ of your body, accounting for about 15% of your body weight. Stretched out, it would measure about 2 square meters. The skin is also incredibly diverse, since every inch of your skin has a specific laxity and strength depending on its location. The thinnest skin is on your eyelids, and the toughest, thickest skin of the body is found on your feet to protect you from sharp objects on the ground when you walk with bare feet.
Sweat is odorless; B.O. comes from bacteria on your skin
Did you know that about 1,000,000,000,000 individual bacteria representing more than 1,000 species live on the surface of your skin? When in contact with sweat—which is actually odorless—some of these bacteria can be quite stinky, producing what is commonly known as body odor.
Acne is one of the most common skin ailments
Acne is one of the most dreaded yet common skin conditions that will affect about 4/5 teenagers. Adults may suffer from acne too, with about 1 in 20 adult women and 1 in 100 adult men experiencing breakouts. Even babies can get acne, which is simply an overproduction of cells that line the sweat gland. As these cells produce a waxy substance called sebum, pores become clogged and pimples appear.
The number of moles on your skin may indicate your cancer risk
You might already know that moles can be one of the first signs of melanoma, but you may not realize that the number of benign moles on your body can be an indicator of your overall skin cancer risk. If you have 11 or more moles—particularly on your right arm—you might have a higher risk than most for skin cancer. That means it is especially important to look out for moles with abnormal colors, borders, or rapid growth.
Dust is primarily comprised of dead skin
Your skin will completely renew itself about once a month, which begs the question: What happens to all those dead skin cells? About every minute, you will shed 30,000 dead skin cells, which make up about half the contents of dust found around your home.
If you are struggling with skin irritation as you face the harsher conditions of cold, dry weather, you can rely on MeMD for quick and convenient care from the comfort of home. Our physicians can treat a wide range of common skin conditions, including infections, acne, rashes, hives, and abrasions.
