What does the skin do?

Our skin is the largest, heaviest, and the most versatile organ. The skin forms the outer covering of our bodies. The color of the skin and hair determines our appearance. Without the skin, we should not have any protection against UV sense of touch would not work without it. The skin reacts to the outside stimuli and becomes red, brown, or gets goose pimples. Each person has a unique set of fingerprints, and police can often catch criminals by matching their fingerprints.

Why do we get goose pimples?

Goose pimples help in regulating the body temperature. When we are exposed to cold temperature or get scared, our body hairs stand up so that the air between them can form an insulating layer. Each hair is permanently anchored to the skin with its root. Small muscles are present at these roots, which contract in case of cold or fear. This is visible on the skin as small bumps. The contraction of the muscles also produces heat in the body. This was an excellent warm-up device for our thickly haired curly ancestors who did not wear clothes.

Why does the skin get tanned in the sun?

In the summers, our skin is often exposed to UV radiation from strong sun that can damage the skin. A pigment, called melanin, is produced in the skin to protect against the harmful radiations from the sun. The more this pigment is produced, the darker, i.e. more tanned , is the skin and the higher is the protection against sunburn. That is why, many light-skinned people get sunburn very quickly. Sunburn always means damage to the skin. Even when the skin has apparently recovered from the burn, it remains damaged from inside and there is always a high risk of getting skin cancer later.