6 skin facts that will blow your mind

If you love skin as much as we do at Skincare.com, you probably love hearing the weird and wonderful facts about it. Whether you're looking to expand your skincare knowledge or prepare some fun facts for your next dinner party, read on to find out a few things you may not have known about your skin!

FACT #1: WE REMOVE FROM 30,000-40,000 OLD SKIN CELLS PER DAY

What most people don't know is that our skin is actually an organ, and not just an organ, but the largest and fastest growing organ in the body. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are about 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 1,000 or more nerve endings, and about 19 million skin cells for every inch of skin. (Let it soak in for a moment.) The body is a complex system, constantly making new cells and shedding old ones - we're talking about losing 30,000 to 40,000 old skin cells every day! At this rate, the skin you see on your body now will be gone in about a month. Pretty crazy, huh?

FACT #2: SKIN CELLS CHANGE SHAPE

It's right! According to AAD, skin cells first appear thick and square. Over time, they move to the upper part of the epidermis and flatten as they go. Once these cells reach the surface, they begin to flake off.

FACT #3: SUN DAMAGE IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF SKIN AGING

Yes, you read it correctly. Studies show that approximately 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun. This is one of the reasons why we encourage you to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, no matter the season! By applying SPF 15 or higher every day and pairing it with additional sun protection measures - think: wear protective clothing, seek shade, and avoid peak sun hours - you are taking important steps to protect your skin from sun damage and even some cancers. In fact, research shows that people who use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily show 24 percent less skin aging than those who don't use Broad Spectrum sunscreen daily. What's your excuse now?

FACT #4: SUN DAMAGE IS ACCUMULATED

Sun damage is cumulative, meaning we gradually acquire more and more of it as we age. When it comes to using sunscreen and other sun protection products, the sooner the better. If you're late for the game, don't be discouraged. Taking proper sun protection measures now—yes, right now—is better than doing nothing at all. This can help you protect your skin and reduce your risk of future sun damage over time.

FACT #5: SKIN CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON CANCER IN THE US

Here at Skincare.com we take our sunscreen use very seriously, and for good reason! Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting more than 3.3 million people each year. That's more skin cancer than breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancers combined!

We've said it once and we'll say it again: Wearing Broad Spectrum SPF sunscreen daily, combined with additional sun protection measures, is an important step towards reducing your risk of skin cancer. If you haven't found the sunscreen you like yet, your search is over. Check out some of our favorite sunscreens to fit right into your skincare routine here!

Editor's Note: While skin cancer is a disturbing reality, it shouldn't stop you from living your life. Protect your skin with a broad spectrum SPF, reapply at least every two hours (or immediately after swimming or sweating), invest in a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and other protective clothing. If you are concerned about a particular mole or blemish on your skin, see a dermatologist immediately for a skin check and continue to do so at least once a year. It's also helpful to learn about common skin cancer warning signs. To help you, we break down here the main signs that your mole may be abnormal. 

FACT #6: ACNE IS THE MOST COMMON SKIN DISEASE IN THE US

Did you know that acne is the most common skin condition in the United States? It's right! Acne affects up to 50 million Americans every year, so if you're dealing with acne, you're definitely not alone! Another fact you might not know? Acne is not just a teen problem. Recent studies have shown that late or adult-onset acne is increasingly common in women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s. Specifically, studies have shown that acne affects more than 50% of women aged 20 to 29 and more than 25% of women aged 40 to 49. Moral of the story: You will never be "too old" to deal with acne.

Editor's Note: If you're dealing with adult acne, it's best to avoid squeezing and squeezing, which can lead to scarring, and instead look for products that contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.