The Ultimate Guide to Skincare

The skin and its appendages (nails, hair, and certain glands) form the largest organ in the human body, with a surface area of around 22 sq ft.; comprising of 15% of the total adult body weight (approximately 8 lbs.); and its thickness ranging from <0.1mm at its thinnest part (eyelids) to 1.5mm at its thickest part (palms of the hands and soles of the feet).

Skin Functions

1. Protection

The skin serves as a protective barrier against mechanical, thermal, and other physical injury; is defensive in response to injury, irritation or infection caused harmful agents, and the harmful effects of UV radiation. The outermost layer of the epidermis is covered with a thin layer of sebum, thus rendering it waterproof.

2. Sensation

Skin is the ‘sense-of-touch’ organ that triggers response when we touch or feel something. Through its sensory nerve endings, the skin reacts to heat, cold, touch, pressure, pain, and location. Extreme stimulation of a sensory nerve ending produces pain. For people with skin conditions, the pain and irritation (discoloration and/or itching) may be extreme and cause great distress.

3. Thermoregulation

An important function of the skin is to protect the body from excessive cold or heat and maintain a consistent core temperature. As changes occur in the outside temperature, blood, and sweat glands of the skin make necessary adjustments in their functions. In warm periods, the vessels dilate, skin reddens and droplets of sweat form on the surface (vasodilatation: increased blood flow = greater direct heat loss). In cold periods, the blood vessels constrict, preventing heat from escaping (vasoconstriction: decreased blood flow = reduced heat loss). The secretion and evaporation of sweat from the surface of the skin helps to cool down the body.

4. Excretion, Secretion and Absorption

  • Excretion – perspiration from the sweat gland is excreted from the skin. Water lost by perspiration carries salt and other chemicals with it.
  • Secretion – Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands. Excessive flow of oil from the oil glands may produce seborrhea. Abnormally oily skin is often associated with certain skin disorders, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. In seborrhea, there is usually a tendency for the outermost layer of dead cells on the skin to come off in scales or flakes. Emotional stress may increase the flow of sebum.
  • Absorption – Limited, but it does occur. Female hormones applied in a cream enter the body through the skin and influence the body to a very minor degree. Fatty materials such as lanolin creams are absorbed largely through the hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

So then, what is skincare and why is it important?

Taking good and proper care of your skin goes beyond just looking great; it is absolutely essential to your overall health. So, when we talk about skincare, we are referring to ways to improve the appearance, health, and function of your skin to treat and manage both cosmetic and medical concerns because once damage is done, it can be very difficult (and costly) to correct.

Daily Shedding

Your skin may look radiant and beautiful today, but there is no guarantee that will be the case tomorrow and this is because your skin cells are shedding on a daily basis. The skin that is revealed in the future may be dull and full of imperfections but following an effective quality skincare routine can help remove dead skin cells so your body will replace them with newer, more youthful cells, prevent conditions such as acne, treat signs of aging such as wrinkles, and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Different Skin Types

Everyone’s skin is different, and understanding your skin’s natural behaviors and responses, will enable you to introduce to your skincare routine, better-suited products that are most effective for your skin type, and to target skin concerns specific to your own skin.

Healthy Skin, Happy You

Those who diligently follow a good skincare regimen are likelier to make healthy choices in other areas, throughout their day. Skincare, combined with other healthy habits, of course, all add up to a happier, healthier you because when you look better, you feel better about yourself.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

When it comes to skincare, there is no question that prevention is far easier than correcting problem skin after damage has been done. Adopting good habits like wearing sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine can prevent invasive treatments later on. Neglect (or simply bad skincare choices) can result in many preventable problems and can even have lifelong impacts.

This is why it is vital to have a well-thought-out daily skincare routine. It is absolutely worth the time and energy to take care of your skin on a daily basis and believe us, your body and mind will thank you for it!

If you would like to learn more about why skincare is so important in your life, set up a consultation at Urban Body Laser today! Our friendly and qualified team would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find the best routine and products for you. Contact us at info@urbanbodylaser.com, live chat or at (604) 229-2836.

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