What’s in the skin your in?
Your skin is incredibly complex, amazingly versatile and continually rejuvenates itself. It is made up of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and a subcutaneous layer.
The epidermis is what you see when you look in the mirror. It has many layers itself, including a tough outer layer that continually removes dead skin cells. It has melanin, a dark pigment formed by cells called melanocytes. Melanin gives you a tan when you’re in sunlight.
The dermis is the next layer which is much thicker than the epidermis. This contains sweat glands, blood vessels, nerves and fat. It also has elastin and collagen fibres, for elasticity.
The deepest layer called the subcutaneous layer comprises mostly of fat. The primary function is to keep you warm and secure your internal substances in place.
What your skin does daily
Your skin carries out many natural functions. It provides the following:
Protection: The skin protects the body from injury and bacterial invasion. The outer layer is covered with in sebum, thus making it waterproof. It resists variations in temperature, minor injuries, chemically active substances and many microbes.
Sensation: The skin’s nerve endings respond to heat, cold, touch, pressure and pain. Extreme stimulation of sensory nerve endings produces pain. A minor burn is very painful but a deep burn that destroys the nerves may be painless.
Heat Regulation: Average body temperature is about 37 degrees C. Blood and sweat glands make necessary adjustments. The body is cooled by the environment and by the evaporation of sweat.
Excretion: Perspiration from the sweat glands carries salt and other chemicals with it.
Secretion: An oily substance (Sebum) is secreted by the sebaceous glands. Emotional stress may increase the flow of the sebum.
Absorption: Female hormones are found in many face creams, and may enter the body through the skin and influence it to a minor degree. Fatty material, such as lanolin cream is absorbed largely through the hair follicles and sebaceous gland openings.
Why does our skin age?
There are numerous reasons why your skin will begin to show signs of ageing. These can be categorised into two factors. Intrinsic and extrinsic ageing.
Intrinsic ageing is the natural progression that occurs in eveybody. From around the age of 20, a person produces about 1% less collagen annually. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile. There is also reduced functioning of the sweat and oil glands, less elastin production, and less lubrication (GAG formation).
Extrinsic ageing is the effects the environment have on your skin such as sunlight and pollution (SPF 35 used daily will have a real impact). Your skin can also age through tobacco and alcohol use and even dietary choices. Chemical peels can help build up the skin’s collagen.
Are you concerned about the look of your skin? Want more information about how to protect your skin from ageing? Contact us for a free consultation.