So here is the skinny on skin (pun definitely intended). Your skin is an organ; as a matter of a fact the largest organ of the human body! It is made up of various layer and structures which perform important functions.
The three layers of the skin are:
The Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and its main function is protection. The epidermis is composed of several specialized layers. Each layer performs a function that is valuable in maintaining skin and overall health.
Stratum Corneum
Also know as a horny layer, this layer is composed of dead cells which form the first layer of protection against environmental factors and micro-organisms. Every 28-35 days this layer sloughs away depending on the cell turnover rate. By exfoliating the skin on a regular basis, we can prevent a build up of excessive dead skin cells which can make the skin appear dull and also prevent valuable skin care actives from being absorbed effectively.
Stratum Lucidum
Found on our hands and feet, this layer offers added protection.
Stratum Granulosum
Our waterproofing layer protecting the skin through lipids contained in the cells.
Stratum Spinosum
Keratinocytes can be found in this layer and they are responsible for holding other cells together. Langerhans cells are also found here which offers immunity. As cells move up towards the surface they start to lose moisture to become dead keratin cells which form the surface of skin.
Stratum Basale
The innermost layer of the epidermis and cell division layer. This is a living layer and it is important to keep this layer active through stimulation, allowing the cell turnover rate to stay high. It takes approximately 28 days in healthy skin for a single cell to surface. In mature skin this rate may slow down to as little as 50 days.
The epidermis in short protects skin by providing a physical barrier through the overlapping of cells, the water barrier layer of the skin and an acidic pH. Our skins have a pH of approximately 4.5 - 5.5. By using skin care that is not pH balanced to suite the skin may result in premature aging, pigmentation, dehydration, acne and sensitivity.
The Dermis
This layer is located just below the epidermis and above the hypodermis. This is a living layer containing numerous structures. It is mainly made up of connective tissue as well as hair follicles, sweat glands, lymph vessels and blood vessels.
Cells called fibroblasts are found in this layer. Fibroblasts produce collagen and elastin which provide support and structure to the skin. Through internal and external care, we can maintain skin health and fibroblast activity.
The Hypodermis
The hypodermis is also known as the subcutaneous or adipose tissue layer. This layer is a fat and connective tissue layer which provide density and structure to the skin. As we age as fat resources are depleted; cheeks may become hollow and eyes sunken thus it is important that we preserve this layer.
Before one can understand the importance of skin care it is important to understand how your skin functions. Various functions are performed by the skin and these functions include:
Protection
Micro-organisms, chemicals and radiation are a few factors that our skin protects us from. As mentioned earlier our epidermis provides protection through overlapping of cells, by providing a water barrier layer and an acidic pH.
Regulation
The skin regulates body temperature through sweat glands and hair. When the body is warm the blood supply to your skin vasodialates allowing heat to be released while sweat glands secrete sweat onto your skin allowing evaporation to occur in turn cooling the body. When you experience cold the blood supply to your skin may experience vasoconstriction to retain heat while hairs become erect thus trapping heat.
Sensation
Numerous nerve cells can be found in the skin. These cells respond to touch, heat, cold and pain. Thanks to these cells we can appreciate the wonderful textures of skin care and therapies.
Without the need to get too technical we hope this overview provides you with a better understanding of how your skin functions. Skin care selection is more than grabbing the first-best-thing available and expecting instant results. We need to consider formulations, ingredients of skin care, how they are applied, when they are applied as well as the current overall health and lifestyle of an individual. After all, beauty is more than skin deep!
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