The skin is much more than just the outer layer of our body. While we often focus on its appearance, there is no such thing as perfect skin, but a healthy one. Understanding its nature and functions is crucial to care for it properly. In this article, we’ll explore the skin’s essential role, break down its key functions, and share tips to care for it, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Is the skin an organ?
The skin is the body’s largest organ, covering approximately 2 square meters and weighing between 3 and 5 kilograms in an average adult.
Despite its simple appearance, the skin is an organ composed of three layers, each with specific functions that protect and regulate the body. The outermost layer, the epidermis, provides a protective barrier against the environment. In the case of sensitive and atopic-prone skin, this barrier is compromised, leading to water loss and allowing irritants, allergens, and microorganisms to penetrate. This alteration causes uncomfortable sensations like itching or inflammation.
The dermis, under the epidermis, is a thicker layer containing blood vessels, sweat glands, and hair follicles, responsible for the skin’s elasticity and strength. Lastly, the hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous tissue, is made up of fat and connective tissue that serves as an insulator and cushion for the body.
What are the skin’s functions?
The skin performs multiple vital functions. It acts as a protective barrier against microorganisms, chemicals, and UV radiation. Additionally, it regulates body temperature through sweating and blood vessel dilation, and it plays a fundamental role in the immune system, helping to prevent infections. Moreover, the skin contributes to the synthesis of vitamin D, essential for bone health and the immune system.
The skin also has a crucial sensory function, allowing us to feel and respond to our environment through nerve receptors. However, these receptors can become damaged or overly sensitive due to different factors like inflammation from certain diseases or harsh treatments like chemotherapy. This damage or hyperactivation leads to disabling sensory discomfort, such as itching or tingling, requiring specialized skin care.
Neurocosmetics target these receptors in the skin, helping to restore balance and alleviate common discomforts in sensitive skin, like itching, burning, and stinging.
How to care for sensitive skin: skin care tips
Caring for sensitive skin requires extra attention to avoid irritation and balance it. Here are some essential tips:
- Shower with lukewarm water: hot water can dry out your skin and worsen irritation.
- Use sun protection: opt for hypoallergenic sunscreens to protect your skin from sun damage without irritating.
- Pat dry gently: after showering, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel to avoid friction that can damage sensitive skin.
- Choose hypoallergenic makeup: sensitive skin can tolerate makeup as long as you choose products designed to prevent adverse reactions.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes: sudden changes in weather, like intense heat or cold, can make your skin more sensitive. Make sure to protect it in these conditions.
- Use products made for sensitive skin: choose skincare products specifically formulated for sensitive skin, such as fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizers or oils. Keeping your skin hydrated is key to maintaining a healthy barrier and preventing irritation or flare-ups.
Nocisens® OIL, developed by Prospera Biotech, is a neurodermatological oil specifically designed for daily care of sensitive and atopic-prone skin. Its neurodermatological ingredients help soothe discomfort like itching and stinging by restoring balance to skin receptors. It’s enriched with oat extract and avocado oil to deeply nourish and repair the skin, reinforcing its protective barrier.
For areas prone to flare-ups, where the skin is especially damaged, Nocisens® INTENSE has double the concentration of active ingredients which offers a more powerful effect. You can use both products together to care for your sensitive skin.
Add Nocisens® to your routine and forget about itching!
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References
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- Elias PM. Stratum corneum defensive functions: an integrated view. J Invest Dermatol. 2005 Aug;125(2):183-200. doi: 10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23668.x
- Lodén M. The clinical benefit of moisturizers. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005 Nov;19(6):672-88; quiz 686-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2005.01326.x
- Proksch E, Brandner JM, Jensen JM. The skin: an indispensable barrier. Exp Dermatol. 2008 Dec;17(12):1063-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2008.00786.x.
- Simpson EL, Chalmers JR, Hanifin JM, Thomas KS, Cork MJ, McLean WH, Brown SJ, Chen Z, Chen Y, Williams HC. Emollient enhancement of the skin barrier from birth offers effective atopic dermatitis prevention. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 Oct;134(4):818-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.08.005
