Final answer:
Healthy skin should have a texture that is smooth and supple. The texture and microbiota of skin vary across different body parts. Key attributes of healthy skin include its slight moisture, flexibility, and the presence of synovial fluid that promotes smooth movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Healthy skin is slightly moist, soft, and flexible with a texture that is smooth and supple. The thickness of the skin can vary depending on the part of the body it covers. For instance, glabrous skin, which is found on the human fingertips and lips, is typically more sensitive and thicker, ranging from 4 to 5 mm, compared to hairy skin that measures about 2 to 3 mm in thickness. Furthermore, the skin's ability to stay healthy and function effectively is partially due to the synovial fluid, which allows the skin tissues to glide over one another without friction while also exchanging water and nutrients with blood.
It is important to note that the skin's microbiota differs across various regions, influenced by factors like nutrient availability and moisture levels, resulting in distinct microbial communities. For instance, moist areas such as the nares and underarms host different microbiota compared to the drier skin on the arms and legs.