The skin is the largest organ in the body. Skin plays a vital role in detecting hot or cold, regulating body temperature, and protecting our muscles, internal bones, and organs. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of our skin. Here are some interesting facts and stats about skin that are a must know!
Skin Covers an Area of Two Square Meters
This fleshy covering does more than make us look presentable. When spread out, the surface area of skin is around two square meters! In total, skin accounts for 16% of our body weight! (Check out, “Science: Human Body & Mind”)
Skin Has Different Types of Receptors
Your skin can detect different sensations. These include pain, heat, cold, and touch. Your skin and other deep tissues have sensory receptors. Without these receptors, you would not be able to respond or sense your environment.
Skin Has More Than 1,000 Species of Bacteria
Your skin is what many bacteria call home! That may make your skin crawl, but that bacteria also keeps our skin healthy. For further reading, check out “Study Finds 1,000 Species of Bacteria on Healthy Humans”.
Skin Color
Skin color is due to melanin, which is a skin pigment produced by the outermost layer to protect us from UV rays. Keep an eye out for abnormal discoloration, because that can be an indicator of bad health! Therefore, it is important to apply sunscreen to protect your skin so your skin can protect you!
Skin Renews Itself Every 28 Days
Every 28 days you get fresh new skin—luckily, not all at once! Your skin regularly gets rid of old dead cells and replaces them with fresh new ones–only if we practice good skin care.
Skin Constantly Sheds Dead Cells
Your skin cells only stick around for a little while then they’ll flake off. Skin sheds dead cells about 30,000 to 40,000 cells every minute!
Skin Releases up to 3 Gallons of Sweat
During warm weather, our bodies produce so much sweat that it adds up to gallons! The average person while working out perspires about .7 to 1.5 liters per hour.
Dead Skin Contributes to the Dust in the Earth’s Atmosphere
About 50% of the dust in your home is comprised of dead skin. Also, dead skin is responsible for about 1 billion tons of dust in the atmosphere!
Changes in Your Skin Signal Changes in Your Overall Health
Our skin is sometimes considered a window into a person’s overall health. This is because the skin can carry clues about the health of other organs. Discoloration or new growth can be a sign of an underlying health problem.
Skin Cancer is the Most Common Type of Cancer
People are diagnosed with skin cancer more than all other types combined. One in five people will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. Take care of your skin and give yourself regular checks for any signs of changes! (“Skin Cancer Facts Statistics”)
Have any more skin statistics you would like to add? Comment below!