Our skin is one of the largest functional organs of the body. In an adult it counts about seven per cent of the total body weight. It protects the internal parts of the body from the harmful effects of the outer environment like injury or attack by hostile organisms. A piece of skin — size of a 5 paise coin — has over 3 million cells, 1 metre of blood vessels, and 80 sweat glands. The inner layer of our skin is called the dermis, where exist our nerve-endings. The outer Layer is called epidermis. Although this layer contains tile-like dead cells, they constantly get water from the living cells below. When water reaches the top layer, it evaporates. It also contains a tough protein called “Kerratin”. The epidermis also contains cells which produce the “Melanin” responsible for skin pigmentation. It provides protection against sun’s ultra-violet rays.
Sebaceous glands present in the surface of the skin secrets an oily liquid called sebum which continues to flow along the ducts and comes to the outer skin. It is due to this secretion that our skin is soft and flexible as this liquid saves our skin from being dried out. It also protects the skin from physical damage. The sebum also provides the first line of defence against invasion by bacteria as it is slightly antiseptic. The secretion of sebum is particularly important in tropical areas where the surface layer is constantly drying out on account of the warm climate. So without this greasy protective lubricant, the skin would not be able to withstand the daily wear and tear and lose its natural moisture. Sweat and blood vessels in the skin help to keep the body at the right temperature.
In cold weather air becomes dry. When this dry air comes in contact with the skin it evaporates the water fast, and as a result outer layer begins to develop cracks and flakes. Skin also contains nerve cells that send message of heat, cold and pain to the brain. Since our lips do not have oil glands, they get chapped or cleaved first.
Creams and ointments soothe chapped skin. If a mixture of water and oil is applied on the skin it helps the skin from being dried out. The water is absorbed by the skin and oil coats it making it moist. If one’s hands get chapped, they should be soaked in the warm water and then massaged with an ointment by applying it on the skin. By this method we can protect our skin in cold weather.