Your skin’s all over you. In fact, your skin is larger than any other part of your body. It’s a good thing too. Your skin keeps your insides in. It keeps germs and yucky things out. It protects your body and keeps it from drying out. Skin can also help keep you cool during hot weather and warm during cold weather. Without your skin, you’d be a mess!
Skin is made up of two layers. The epidermis is the outside part of the skin. It has sweat pores and hairs. The inside of the skin is the dermis. This layer has nerves, or receptors, that detect pain or touch. It also has blood vessels, oil glands and hair roots. Underneath this layer is a thin layer of fat that cushions your body.
Fun Facts about Human Skin for Kids
- Skin color is determined by how much melanin it contains. Darker skin contains more melanin. That’s the only difference. Melanin is also what causes freckles.
- Sometimes your face might turn red if you’re embarrassed or nervous. This is called blushing. It happens when blood rushes to your face.
- When you’re hot, your skin sweats. As the sweat evaporates, it cools your body off.
- Fingernails and hair are made of a substance called keratin. The only part of the hair and nail that’s alive is the part growing under the skin. That’s why it doesn’t hurt to cut your hair or nails.
- Everyone is born with fingerprints. No two prints are exactly alike.
Human Skin Vocabulary
- Epidermis: outside part of the skin
- Pores: small holes
- Dermis: inside layer of skin
- Nerves: send and receive messages from the brain
- Evaporate: when liquid becomes a vapor
Learn More All About Human Skin
Check out this video all about human skin:
A video about the structure and functions of the skin.
Human Skin Q&A
Question: How can I take care of my skin?
Answer: One of the most important things you can do is wear sunscreen when you’re out in the sun. The sun can cause serious damage to your skin. Drinking water and keeping your skin clean can also help.
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Question: Why does my skin get rashes?
Answer: Usually a rash is your body’s way of alerting you that something’s not quite right. Some people get rashes if they eat a food they’re allergic to or roll in the grass.
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