The skin's importance is often overlooked by about a half of the world's population - mostly men - although this is rapidly changing. Even so, most of those who do worry about their skin are mainly interested in the areas that show like the face, neck and hands. However, the skin is not only the largest organ on the body (human or otherwise), it is also the membrane that literally holds us together. On a recent visit to a dermatologist, I described a small cut on my hand as 'nothing serious'. The dermatologist's response surprised me. "Your skin is not only there to keep bodily fluids in", he said, "but to keep pathogens out. Every time that barrier is damaged, it makes it easier for bacteria to get in. Bacteria can cause infections such as sepsis and blood poisoning which can be irreversible and so lethal". I am no longer so blasé about nicks and scratches as I once was in my silly, macho male way. Skin is also very sensitive to what is going on beneath it, which means that acne, pimples, dry or oily skin are early warnings of underlying problems. The problem for most people is that they treat the symptoms - the outbreak - rather than the underlying cause. This is hardly surprising, since skin care companies make hundreds of billions from selling creams, potions and lotions to mask these symptoms. This effectively allows the condition to continue. Having said that, continuous, regular skin care started from an early age is a good thing. However, you need impartial information from a specialist before deciding what kind of skin care regimen to follow. Just doing what one's parents do, or gathering a basketful of products from the local pharmacy is not good enough. Do your own research, and ask the right people, before you decide on how to protect yourself.