Skin Facts

The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. The skin protects us from microbes and the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and permits the sensations of touch, heat, and cold. Skin has three layers: The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone.

  • The skin is the bodies largest organ.
  • The skin’s scientific name is Cutaneous Membrane.
  • It is constantly shedding dead cells. The Average person sheds approximately 1 1/2 Ibs of dead skin cells each year.
  • An average adult has more than 20 square feet of skin. A square inch of the human body has approximately 19,000,000 skin cells.and up to 300 sweat glands.
  • The skin’s thinnest area on the human body, is on the eyelids.
  • Skin contains a pigment called melanin. The more melanin the darker the skin, less makes it lighter.
  • It is made up of three layers. The Epidermis is the outer layer, the Dermis is the middle layer, and Subcutaneous is the inner most layer.
  • It protects the body against invasion of bacteria and other foreign objects.
  • It helps to regulate body temperature. Goose bumps are little pimples that helps keep a layer of warm air over your body.
  • Contrary to what is believed, dust is not made up mostly of dead skin cells. There are vastly more sources of dust pollutants floating around the air.