The Skin You LIVE IN
Prevention US|June 2024
Along with your hair, nails, and sweat glands, your skin is part of your integumentary system, the protective outer layer of the body.
MARISA COHEN
The Skin You LIVE IN

IMAGINE FOR A MOMENT WHAT THE HUMAN BODY WOULD BE LIKE WITHOUT SKIN (we know—ick-but bear with us): All our organs, muscles, and bones would be exposed, completely vulnerable to the ravages of the environment. Instead, we are covered from head to toe with a powerful shield that not only protects us but also does other pretty amazing things.

"The skin has many vital functions, but one of the most important is preventing the loss of water from the body to stave off dehydration," says UPMC dermatologist Laura Ferris, M.D., Ph.D., a professor at the University of Pittsburgh Clinical and Translational Science Institute. Rather than just being the equivalent of a giant tarp wrapped around our skeleton, however, the skin is actually the body's largest organ (an average of 22 square feet, weighing about eight pounds!), with multiple intricate processes occurring inside its cells. "The skin has its own active and complex immune system that prevents you from becoming infected with bacteria and viruses we come in contact with every day," Dr. Ferris says. Other important functions this multitalented organ performs: protecting you from deeper injury, regulating body temperature, being your first line of defense against environmental toxins and the sun's ultraviolet rays, and warning you when danger lurks (those little hairs that stand up when you're anxious or afraid are controlled by tiny muscles in the skin).

This story is from the June 2024 edition of Prevention US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2024 edition of Prevention US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PREVENTION USView All
STAY-FULL FUEL
Prevention US

STAY-FULL FUEL

Perfect nutrient pairings keep you satisfied longer.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
No, You Are NOT LAZY!
Prevention US

No, You Are NOT LAZY!

LISTEN, I'M THE FIRST PERSON TO BE HARD ON MYSELF.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2025
8 Ways to AMP UP Your Motivation
Prevention US

8 Ways to AMP UP Your Motivation

NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK, try one or two of these expert-approved strategies to help you shore up your motivation to accomplish any goal.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
When You Just DON'T WANNA
Prevention US

When You Just DON'T WANNA

WE ALL KNOW WHAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING: cleaning out the closet, hitting the treadmill, getting that résumé done, [fill in your ugh task here].

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2025
SHOULD YOU BREAK UP WITH YOUR DOCTOR?
Prevention US

SHOULD YOU BREAK UP WITH YOUR DOCTOR?

Maybe it is them. Even a good doctor-patient relationship sometimes runs its course. Here's when you should consider moving on for better health.

time-read
7 mins  |
January 2025
Getting surgery?
Prevention US

Getting surgery?

BEFORE YOU GO IN, TRY THESE FIVE THINGS FOR A SMOOTHER RECOVERY.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
MY DIAGNOSIS Why Did I Always Hurt-Everywhere?
Prevention US

MY DIAGNOSIS Why Did I Always Hurt-Everywhere?

Her doc didn't believe her, and she had no time or money to search for a new one, so this working mom lived in pain for years.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
THE DOCTOR IS IN The Truth About IUDs
Prevention US

THE DOCTOR IS IN The Truth About IUDs

The benefits of these small but mighty devices go beyond birth control.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2025
WHAT'S UP WITH...BAD BREATH
Prevention US

WHAT'S UP WITH...BAD BREATH

If everything (and everyone) starts to wilt when you open your mouth, here's how to freshen things up.

time-read
1 min  |
January 2025
Healthy Up Your Home
Prevention US

Healthy Up Your Home

Milk and eggs aren't the only things with an expiration date.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2025