Your skin is your largest organ. Here's what you need to know!
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Your skin is an organ and has various functions you probably don't think about on a daily basis. That makes it even more fun to reflect on it and learn something new. We bet you'll look at your skin differently after reading this post!
- Your skin is your largest organ. Here's what you need to know!
 - Intro: Your skin is your largest organ
 - The functions of the skin
 - Temperature controller
 - Sunlight / UV
 - The Acid Mantle (Protective Layer)
 - The different layers of skin
 - Layer 1: The acid mantle
 - Layer 2: Epidermis
 - Layer 3: The Dermis
 - Layer 4: The subcutis
 - All skin layers illustration:
 - The best skin care at Olivida
 - Professional salon brands at Olivida
 - Follow our social media
 
Intro: Your skin is your largest organ
The skin is the largest human organ. In adults, its surface area can reach 1.5 to 2 square meters and weigh 15 to 20 kilograms. As the largest human organ, the skin is also our best protection. Your skin performs various functions that you probably don't think about on a daily basis. That makes it all the more fun to reflect on them and learn something new. We bet you'll look at your skin differently after reading this post!
The functions of the skin
The primary function of our largest sensory organ is to protect the body from external influences. Think of your skin as a kind of coat: it envelops you and prevents you from feeling immediate pain from pressure or bumps. Your skin also warns you of dangers, such as heat or extreme cold, by causing pain or itching. Below, we've listed some of the skin's key functions:
Temperature controller
As a temperature regulator, your skin is responsible for maintaining a constant body temperature. When your body is cold, less blood is pumped through your veins to retain heat. When your body is too warm, blood circulation in your veins increases to dissipate heat. If this isn't enough, your skin sweats, and your body cools down.
Sunlight / UV
Your skin protects you from sunlight. Your skin develops a thicker, horny layer and darker pigment when you're exposed to the sun. Sounds complicated, but that simply means you tan. The pigment and the skin act as a kind of filter, blocking harmful UV rays. If sunlight damages your skin (like when you come home bright red after a day at the beach), some of that damage is self-repaired. But that takes a lot of time and energy. Therefore, it's important to know your skin type based on UV sensitivity. Read more here .
Always use a product with SPF to support your skin's natural protective functions.
The Acid Mantle (Protective Layer)
The primary function of our largest sensory organ is to protect the body from external influences. Think of your skin as a kind of coat: it envelops you and prevents you from feeling immediate pain from pressure or bumps. Your skin also warns you of dangers, such as heat or extreme cold, by causing pain or itching. Below, we've listed some of the skin's key functions:

The different layers of skin
A lot happens beneath the surface of your skin. Your skin is made up of different layers, like an onion. All these layers can be divided into three categories, which we've listed below. We've also created an illustration/infographic to give you a visual representation.
Layer 1: The acid mantle
A lot happens beneath the surface of your skin. Your skin is made up of different layers, like an onion. All these layers can be divided into three categories, which we've listed below. We've also created an illustration/infographic to give you a visual representation.
Layer 2: Epidermis
The second-to-top, protective layer is called the epidermis. This layer can be divided into five separate layers. These five separate layers lie beneath the epidermis. The bottom two layers supply the top three layers of the epidermis with new skin cells. The epidermis renews itself every 27 days, as dead skin cells are removed by the upper horny layer. In reality, a person is constantly shedding skin.
Layer 3: The Dermis
Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis. The dermis consists of a network of fibers, nerves, and small blood vessels. The sweat and odor glands are also located here. These blood vessels regulate the body's heat balance. The dermis also supplies the epidermis with nutrients and oxygen.
Layer 4: The subcutis
A lot happens beneath the surface of your skin. Your skin is made up of different layers, like an onion. All these layers can be divided into three categories, which we've listed below. We've also created an illustration/infographic to give you a visual representation.
These are the skin layers at a glance. As you can imagine, skin is made up of many more elements. Want to delve deeper into science? Then read this interesting page.
All skin layers illustration:

The best skin care at Olivida
So, your skin is incredibly important and has countless functions. But it's also a vulnerable organ. To support the protective function of your skin barrier, good skincare is therefore crucial. Skincare isn't just about keeping your skin beautiful, it's also about your health! Your facial skin, in particular, benefits from the right care.
You'll find the best skincare products with high concentrations of active ingredients at Olivida . Looking for a specific product to care for your skin? Shop easily by product type or skin type. Unsure about your skin type or want to have a skin concern addressed? Request a free skin consultation through our website! Our skin specialist, Lisa, will examine your skin and recommend the right products right away. If you have a question about a specific product, such as whether it's suitable for your skin type, don't hesitate to open the chat. We'll answer your question with our professional expertise. We recently launched a SkinQuiz , a questionnaire that helps you find the right skincare products. Based on your skin type, skin concern, and lifestyle, we generate products that keep your skin healthy and glowing. Together, we strive for skin improvement.
Professional salon brands at Olivida
Your path to skin improvement starts with Olivida. Take a look around and find your holy grail!
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