The purpose of skin

Our skin is the largest organ of the body, but for some reason, the function of the heart and lungs seems to get all the spotlight! We think skin deserves a little more praise for everything it does, so read on for more.

Whether you spend your days in the sun or in air conditioning, take a look at how you can be kinder to your skin. After all, if you take care of it now, it will take better care of you later in life!

How does skin work?

It may only be a few millimetres thick, but with three layers each designed to protect your body and regulate temperature, it sure knows what it’s doing!

The top layer is called the epidermis, which acts to prevent infection and waterproofs your body. The cells here are constantly renewing themselves, forcing us to shed 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells every minute!

A small portion of cells in this layer, melanin, also colour your skin with the sun. The darker your skin is, the more melanin you have.

The middle layer is called dermis, and contains oil and sweat glands, nerve endings and blood vessels, along with elastin and collagen to keep your skin firm and flexible.

The deepest layer is the subcutaneous layer, where hair growth starts and fat is stores, helping to bounce back from a bump or knock, and connecting tissue to your organs.

How is skin affected by the elements?

Air-conditioning, while a relief in the hot Australian summer, removes moisture from your skin when exposed to long periods of time (like a typical day in the office!). One study has also found that synthetic fibres from air-conditioners can irritate skin.

Time in the great outdoors is good for the soul, and its Vitamin D is essential to our overall health. But over exposure can cause premature signs of ageing and sun damage. This is where your skin’s elasticity and colouring can start to change, and you notice it wasn’t what it once used to be.

How can you care for your skin?

With your skin constantly exposed to the elements and renewing dead skin cells, it’s wise to give it some added hydration.

Applying moisturisers serve to trap and replenish natural moisture in the outer layer of your skin, and can act as a barrier to stop good oils leaving your body. It also acts to prevent the sun from drying your skin too much.

botanicES’ caffeine based skincare goes one step further adding natural Australian ingredients such as Kakadu Plum and Licorice Root extract along with its signature ingredient of caffeine, to boost hydration by up to 59% and elasticity by up to 50%.

Moisturisers aren’t just a nice-to-have luxury. They should be considered an everyday essential to your overall health and wellbeing. As ageing sets in, you will wish you had started sooner.