Understanding our Skin

Skin is the largest organ of our body. It has many functions, which includes

• Protecting our body from bacteria and infection
• Regulating our body temperature
• Preventing excessive water loss
• Being our sense organ, giving us information about pain, pressure, heat

Skin is made up of 3 layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer

Epidermis

This is the outermost layer of the skin. The epidermis contains the cells that contain melanin – the pigment that gives the skin its colour.

Dermis

This is the next layer of the skin. The dermis contains blood vessels and nerves.  It is made of up elastic fibres (elastin) and collagen that gives the skin strength and elasticity.

Subcutaneous layer

This is the innermost layer of the skin. It is the layer that insulates our body from extreme heat and cold and cushions our body from injuries.