What are glabrous skin surfaces?

Glabrous skin surfaces refer to areas of the skin that do not have hair follicles, like the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the upper portion of the face. These surfaces are unique because the vasculature just beneath them differs from other body parts. Instead of the usual arterial-to-capillary-to-vein progression, these areas feature arterio-venous anastomoses, which are direct connections from arteries to veins. This structure enables the body to shed heat more efficiently. Therefore, cooling these surfaces can significantly decrease core body temperature, helping to manage hyperthermia and potentially enhance athletic and cognitive performance 1.