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Skin Explained: Is Skin An Organ?

Skin Explained: Is Skin An Organ?

Even as the body’s largest, the skin is often overlooked and undervalued for its function. Looking past aesthetics, the skin serves as a remarkable shield that not only protects you from the external elements, but also plays a pivotal role in your homeostasis and overall well being. From temperature regulation to sensory perception, the skin is constantly working to keep us in good health. In this blog we will delve into the functions of the skin as an organ, all the while arm you with tips to nourish, protect, and maintain this vital part of our bodies. We’ll also introduce you to OneSkin’s innovative products, which can be a valuable part of your skin health routine. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the wonders of our largest organ!
01

Is Skin an Organ?

Before jumping into the intricacies of skin health, let’s look at a common question: Is the skin really an organ? The answer is a resounding yes! As the largest organ of the human body, the skin accounts for roughly 15% of an adult’s body weight.1Β It is an incredibly complex organ composed of multiple layers, each with unique structures and function. The three primary skin layers are the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (also known as subcutaneous tissue); all of which work together harmoniously to provide essential support vital to our overall health and wellbeing.2

In the past (and even today), much of β€œskin care” is marketed in a purely aesthetic fashion- with the focus being solely on surface level care and outward appearance. Here at OneSkin, we’ve stepped away from that short-sighted understanding into a movement of true skin care – creating topical skin care products that target the root of skin health and help skin function optimally in its important role as a vital organ. Healthy skin is more than skin deep.

02

Functions of the skin as an organ

Protection

One of the skin’s primary roles is to serve as a protective barrier, shielding delicate internal organs from various external threats.2 Whether that be harmful microorganisms, UV rays, pollutants, or physical damage, your skin has you covered (literally). This elastic, resilient shield is absolutely crucial in preventing infections and injuries.

Temperature Regulation

Additionally, the human skin plays a huge role in the regulation of body temperature and our overall homeostasis. When we’re exposed to heat, our skin helps us to cool down by releasing sweat. The evaporation of sweat from the surface area of the skin dissipates heat, keeping our bodies within the safe and healthy range. Conversely, in cold conditions, the skin constricts blood vessels to minimize heat loss and help us conserve warmth.3

Sensory Perception

Skin is rich in sensory receptors and nerve endings that allow us to sense various stimuli. These include touch, temperature, and nociception, or pain. Sensory perception is essential for day to day interactions with the world and our environment. For example, if we were unable to detect pain from everyday objects, like a hot stove or sharp kitchen knife, we would get hurt very easily and often, putting us in danger. Sensory receptors in the skin enable us to react to potential dangers such as these and more.


03

Common Skin Concerns

Maintaining healthy skin is not always straightforward, nor does it look the same for everyone- many factors can impact our skin’s condition, and every body is different. Regardless, we can provide some insight on some of the most common skin concerns that people face4:

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition characterized by the presence of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Acne prone skin often occurs due to the overproduction of sebum (skin oil) and the blockage of hair follicles. Acne can affect people of all ages, but is most common in adolescents and young adults.

Aging

As we age, our skin undergoes natural changes, including a decrease in collagen and elastin production. These changes can lead to the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. A buildup of senescent cells (cells that have reached the end of their life and are no longer functioning as they should) can induce chronic inflammation, immune suppression, and damage neighboring cells. Prolonged sun exposure, smoking, and other factors can also accelerate the aging process.

Dry Skin

Dry Skin is characterized by skin tightness, skin flakiness, and a lack of moisture that can lead to discomfort and itching. Dry skin can be caused by various factors, including cold weather, low humidity, excessive bathing, and certain skin care products.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause redness, itching, and the formation of rashes. It can be triggered by allergens, irritants, genetics, or environmental factors. Managing dermatitis often involves heavy moisturization, and finding and avoiding triggers.
04

How To Maintain Healthy Skin

Now that we've discussed the functions of the skin and common skin concerns, let's explore some effective strategies for maintaining healthy and radiant skin:

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Sun protection is paramount for healthy skin. UV rays can cause significant damage- prolonged sun exposure without protection contributes to photoaging and collagen degradation, leading to sun spots, the formation of wrinkles, and an increased risk of developing cancer.5Β To protect your skin from harmful UV radiation:
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days, as this shields the skin from those damaging UVA and UVB rays.
  • Try OS-01 SHIELD, our peptide sunscreen!Β Protect & repair against UV aging with the only 100% mineral sunscreen superpowered by the OS-01 peptide and a potent blend of antioxidants.
  • Be sure to reapply regularly, especially during times of extended exposure.
  • Seek shade when the sun is strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin. When your body is well-hydrated, your skin appears plumper and more supple. To stay hydrated:

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration.
  • Use a quality peptide facial moisturizer or peptide body lotion to lock in hydration and maintain skin barrier integrity.

Practice Good Hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene is essential to prevent skin issues and infections. Some key hygiene practices include:
  • Regularly cleanse your skin with a mild, pH-balanced gentle cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil.
  • Avoid using harsh soaps that can strip your skin of its natural oils.
  • Pat your skin dry after washing to avoid irritation.
  • Cleanse your face before bedtime to remove makeup and impurities.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Proper nutrition plays a significant role in skin health. Be sure to incorporate foods rich in vitamin C (such as oranges and strawberries) and amino acids (found in lean meats and legumes) to your diet to support collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin.6 Consider avoiding excessive sugar and processed foods, as they can contribute to skin inflammation and premature aging.Β 

Manage Stress

Chronic stress can negatively impact your skin's health,7Β leading to breakouts and exacerbating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Engage in stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to promote skin health.

Get Adequate Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for skin repair and rejuvenation. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to wake up with a refreshed complexion.

Choose the Right Skin Care Products

When selecting skin care products, opt for those that are suitable for your skin type and address your specific concerns. A consistent skin care routine can help maintain healthy skin. Consider implementing a full skin longevity regimen such as OneSkin’s line of products- a one stop shop for complete skin health.Β 

The OS-01 peptide is scientifically proven to reduce the amount of senescent cells in skin, reverse skin’s biological age, and increase skin’s epidermal thickness, promoting barrier function .8 OS-01 EYE, our peptide eye cream, contains the highest concentration of the OS-01 peptide- this is because eye skin ages faster than the skin on the rest of your face .9Β OS-01 FACE delivers the OS-01 peptide in a light, non-irritating, hydrating formula, and is clinically validated to improve skin’s barrier function.* Finally, OS-01 BODY delivers the OS-01 peptide to the other 97% of skin. Treat your skin like the vital organ that it is with OneSkin.Β 

Your skin, as the body's largest organ, is a multifaceted marvel that deserves care and attention. By understanding its functions and implementing healthy skin care habits, you can maintain radiant, healthy skin. Incorporating OneSkin's products into your routine targets skin health at the molecular level with innovative solutions propelled by ground breaking science. With these strategies and the right products, you can nurture your body's shield, protect it from the effects of time and the environment, and enjoy healthy skin for years to come.


Disclaimers
*Shown in a 12-week clinical study (OneSkin manuscript pending publication)

Key Takeaways:
  • Skin is the human body’s largest organ and aids in many bodily functions such as protection, temperature regulation, and sensory perception.
  • Normal, common skin concerns include, but are not limited to, acne, aging, dry skin, and various forms of dermatitis.
  • Sun protection with SPF 30+ products such as OS-01 SHIELD are vital to preventing the UV damage that causes photoaging and collagen degradation, sunspots, wrinkles, and an increased risk of developing cancer.
  • Hydration and a balanced diet heavily contribute to maintaining healthy skin.
  • Quality sleep (7-9 hours) is essential for natural skin repair!
  • Good hygiene and the right skincare products are essential to nourishing your body from the outside in. Treat your skin like the vital organ that it is with OneSkin’s line of scientifically proven longevity products- a one stop shop for complete skin health.

Last Updated April 21, 2025

Reviewed by

Alessandra Zonari

Alessandra Zonari

PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin

Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.