Today’s puzzle goes in-depth into an essential organ that envelopes all parts of the body – the skin.
Click start to play today’s Crossword. Test your knowledge of this vital organ!
Each inch of skin is made up of 19 million skin cells, 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels and 1,000 nerve endings, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Here are three interesting facts about the skin that will inspire you to take good care of it:
1. The skin renews itself every 28 days
Snakes are not the only creatures that shed their skin. Our epidermis – the thin outer layer of the skin – contains dead skin cells, which naturally slough off and are replaced by new skin cells that generate at the bottom of the epidermis. The whole cycle takes about a month to complete. You can give your skin a boost and clear the dead cells away by exfoliating regularly.
2. The skin responds to stress, just like the mind
Although less likely to be impacted by daily stressors, major illnesses or traumatic life events have the power to trigger chronic stress that can affect the skin. Psychological stress can disrupt the epidermal barrier and prolong its repair, according to US-based Harvard Health Publishing, the consumer health education division of Harvard Medical School. A disrupted epidermal barrier can then lead to irritated skin, as well as chronic conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
3. Sun damage hides just below the skin
Although sun damage is not visible to the naked eye, it simmers just beneath the skin and shows up more, as time passes. The daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen helps to slow and reverse these effects, but another, even better way to do so, is to use retinoids at night. Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds related to vitamin A that have been known to boost epithelial cell growth and to reduce wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. Look for skin care products that mention retinoids as part of their formula. They help treat acne, combat early signs of aging and help heal sun-damaged skin, according to the AAD.
Do you take special care of your skin? Play today’s Crossword and let us know at games@gulfnews.com.
