Healthy Skin and Hair

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

By Tomás Saragoça  2ºESO E

            PERSONAL CARE- Healthy skin and hair

            The skin is the largest organ of our body.  Unlike other organs such as lungs and the heart, the skin can be seen, making it an important part of our body.

There are 4 other functions:

            The skin is a barrier against water.  The skin keeps out water when you swim or take a bath.

            The skin is a sense organ.  Nerve endings in your skin let you know when something touches your body.  It allows you to know when something is painful, hot, cold…

            The skin helps control of the body temperature.  When you’re hot, sweat glands in your skin release perspiration to cool your body down.  When you’re cold, blood circulation slows to conserve body heat.

            The skin is the first line of defense against pathogens.  This is why you need to care for any cuts or burns.

PARTS OF THE SKIN:

-          Epidermis:  visible and outermost layer of the skin

-          Dermis:  Beneath the epidermis is a thick layer that’s called dermis.

-          Subcutaneous layer:  Below the dermis which connects to your bones and muscles.

                  Blood vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles and glands are all found in the DERMIS.  Oil glands make oils that keep the skin soft and waterproof.  Sweat glands secrete perspiration, which is released through tiny holes in the skin called PORES.  This is the way your body cools itself.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN:

            Proper skin care should be part of your daily routine.  Here are some ways to keep your skin healthy:

-           Keep your skin clean.  Bathing or showering every day with mild soap will rid your skin of bacteria and excess oils.

-          Protect your skin from the sun.  The sun’s rays can cause premature aging and even skin cancer.  Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when in the sun.  Avoid sunlight or use extra sunscreen between 10am and 4pm.

-          Treat your skin gently.  Harsh scrubbing, squeezing, or picking blemishes can result in scars.  Administer appropriate first aid to cuts, scrapes and burns.

REFERENCES:

            I used information from last year’s HEALTH AND WELLNESS UNIT to write this article.