Human skin has an area of 2 square meters and consists of 3 main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis; each of which still consists of several sub-layers with a specific function. Each square cm of the skin contains about 100 sweat glands, 10,000 cells, and 200 nerve endings in addition to blood vessels!
The skin has several important functions:
– Protection against harmful germs and the outside world
– Measure via the nerve endings of e.g. outside temperature
– Temperature control via intensive blood flow
– Moisture regulation via the sweat glands
– Storage of fats, vitamin D, and other vital substances
– Absorption of oxygen or, for example, medicines via ointments or patches
– Social function in which the color and health of the skin play a role in human interaction
In addition to the skin (structure) itself, recent research also shows that the microflora present on the skin (= skin microbiome) plays a very important role. A microbiome is a total number of micro-organisms (mainly bacteria) that are located somewhere; whether they work together as a community or not. The best-known microbiome is that of humans and includes, for example, the micro-organisms present in our mouth, digestive system, and on our skin. Even though these microorganisms do not all work together, they do determine the “state (or health)” of the place where they are located. A stable, healthy microbiome is therefore of great importance for our health and that of the entire environment. Human skin naturally contains millions of micro-organisms!
