Skin

Skin - How it Works and what happens when it burns or tans

There are 6 different skin types - see the table below to work out which one you are.

Did you know:

• Skin is the largest and one of the hardest working organs in the body. 
• Skin covers an average area of about 1.8 metres and makes up 1/6 of your body weight. 
• Skin continually renews itself. Old skin cells are gradually shed and replaced by new ones every 28 days. 
• Skin cells grow and rejuvenate faster than any other organ. 
• You have 19 million skin cells every square inch of your body. 
• Skin's biggest job is protection. It is a tough, elastic, flexible and waterproof covering and maintains the body's correct temperature. 
• It is believed that over 80% of all damage done to the skin is done by the sun. 
• Skin contains a chemical called melanin. Melanin reacts to UVA rays when sunlight comes into contact with the skin, helping the body reflect and absorb the UV light. The skin begins to tan as melanin levels rise. 
• A tan is the first sign of skin damage. In the skin's attempt to protect itself it increases in melanin. 
• Skin is often categorised into 'types' (see table below), with Type 1 being the fairest and most likely to burn, and Type 6 being the darkest and least likely to burn.

 Fitzpatrick Scale of Skin Types