What are the Main Functions of the Skin?

With a total surface of about 1, 8 m2 and a total weight of about 11 kg, our skin is the largest human organ. The skin not just only gives us our appearance and shape, it also serves other important functions:

Protection
Our skin is a shield that protects us from:

• mechanical impact such as pressure and stroke
• thermic impact such as heat or cold
• environmental impact such as chemicals, the sun´s UV-radiation and bacteria

Regulation
The skin regulates our body temperature. The production of sweat, which evaporates on the skin´s surface, will cool us down.

One of our senses
Besides the senses of smell, taste, sight and hearing the sense of touch is one of our body's most important senses. Without it, we would not be able to feel the gentle touch of a dear person, the warmth of a hot cup of tea, or the wind blowing in our face. This sense is made possible by various cells and nerve endings in the skin, which send impulses to our central nervous system.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors
One of the main reasons for the increase in skin cancer among the general population is the changes in behaviour and attitude in relation to sun exposure and leisure time. You can change your behaviour to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer and improve your health.

• Genetic Factors
  Some inherited disorders can play a role in the development of the different forms of skin cancer.
• Immune Status
  Your immune status plays an important role in your general health and in your body's ability to detect and destroy cancerous cells.
• Precancerous Lesions
  one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer is to recognize precancerous lesions early and do something about of them. Know what precancerous lesions are, how to recognize them, and how to deal with them. Check with your G.P.
• Skin Photo type
  one of the best ways to start being sun conscious is to know your skin photo type.
• Sunburn
  your history of sunburn as a child and adult plays an important role in calculating your risk of getting skin cancer.
• Sunlight
  it is important to know what you are up against when it comes to skin cancer. We are not saying that the sun is the enemy; it is an important ally when it comes to good health.
• Tanning Beds
  some feel that tanning beds are a safe way to get a tan. Unfortunately this is not the case. Although there have been few studies on the use of tanning beds and their effects on the risk of getting skin cancer, it is very likely that they play a role as well.
• Tanning Lotions
  Tanning lotions do not provide any form of protection against the dangers of UV light exposure. They do not cause cancer.
• Holiday
  People go abroad to the sun and the belief is that short intense exposure to sun is likely to increase your risk of developing skin cancer particularly if you are in the habit of burning and not using suitable protection.