The Skin

The human skin is the outer covering of the body. In humans, it is the largest organ of the integumentary system. The skin has several layers of ectodermic tissue and guards the primary muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs. Human skin is similar to that of most other mammals, except that it is not protected by a pelt. Though almost all human skin is covered with hair follicles, it appears hairless.

Skin is composed of three primary layers:

• The epidermis, which provides waterproofing and serves as a barrier to infection.
• the dermis, is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain
• The hypodermis is not part of the skin, and lies below the dermis. Its purpose is to attach the skin to underlying bone and muscle as well as supplying it with blood vessels and nerves.

Since this is the most visible part of our body, like the cover page of a book, it is very important to keep it healthy and presentable to ourselves and others. You will find many skin problems that you should treat before it gets any worse.