Skin is our largest organ and it plays an important role in protecting our body, so let’s make sure we are keeping it healthy. Skin regulates our body temperature, prevents infection, protects against bacteria and viruses we are exposed to on a regular basis, maintains water and electrolyte balance. It is also full of nerve endings that help us feel things like heat, cold, touch and pain. There are three main layers of the skin: The top layer of the skin is called EPIDERMIS. It’s a thin outermost layer that is responsible for making new skin cells, production of melanin (our natural skin pigment), and protection of our body. The average thickness of epidermis is just 0.1mm. ..... Under the epidermis there is a thickest layer of the skin called DERMIS (average thickness of dermis is 2mm). Dermis is composed of connective tissues such as collagen and elastin, fibroblasts, blood cappillaries, lymph vessels, nerve endings, sweat glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Dermis provides strength and flexibility to the skin and plays many important roles: - Sweat glands in the dermis produce sweat that comes out of pores, it helps the body cool itself off and get rid of toxins. - Sebaceous glands are responsible for secretion of sebum. It is an oily substance that protects, moisturizes and keeps our skin soft and smooth. - Nerve endings in the dermis help us feel things by sending signals to the brain as a response to pain, temperature changes, itchiness, pressure or touch. - Hair follicles in the dermis produce hair. Hair plays an important role in regulating body temperature and protects from injury. - Blood vessels in the dermis supply epidermis with blood, carry nutrients, get rid of toxins and also regulate body temperature.
As we age the dermis layer becomes thinner and less collagen is produced. Elastin also wears out which leads to loss of firmness and sagging of the skin. The sebaceous glands produce less sebum which leads to dryness of the skin. ..... The bottom layer of the skin is called HYPODERMIS, also known as Subcutaneus Fat. It’s made of connective tissue and fat. Hypodermis attaches dermis to the muscles and bones, controls body temperature, stores nutrients and energy. ...... The skin is our first line of defence when it comes to the body, so keeping it strong and healthy is critical. Using products free of harsh chemicals, a proper skin care regimen daily can help preserve this important protective layer.
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