Skin, Hair & Nails

The function of skin, hair & nails

Skin, hair, nails, sweat and sebaceous glands are all part of the largest organ of the human body, namely the skin. Hair, nails and sebaceous and sweat substances are also called the skin appendages. In contrast to animals, the biological function of hair and nails seems to have been largely lost in humans. However, our skin as a whole still has many functions; it holds everything together, it keeps our body at the right temperature and it is the organ that allows us to feel. It is also an important part of our primary defense mechanism, as it protects us from 'intruders' from outside, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and UV radiation. Skin, hair and nails all contain substances such as keratin, elastin and collagen; structural proteins that are important for the flexibility and strength of the connective tissues in the human body.

How Skin, Hair and Nails Reflect Your Health

Did you know that you can read a lot about your general condition and health from your skin, hair and nails? Your body is very ingenious and is set up to do everything it can to keep you alive. This means that in all cases, vital organs such as your heart, liver, lungs and kidneys are given priority if there are not enough nutrients present. When your skin, hair and nails are in poor condition, you can see this as a signal that your body may need extra nutrients. You can also read a lot about the general condition of animals from their coats. On the other hand, healthy hair, healthy nails and radiant skin are also signs that you are literally and figuratively 'feeling good about yourself'!