Skincare - What is Skin?
by nita kahlon
Skin is the biggest organ in our bodies and its job is to protect us from harmful elements. People usually do not associate the skin as being an organ of our bodies. The most popular organs are the heart brain and lungs. Yes skin is an organ and is made up of tissues and these tissues consist of cells.
The main purpose of the skin is protection against harmful everyday effects like the suns rays, bacteria and injury. It also keeps things in, out of our bodies and controls the release of waste.
The skin is made up of several layers. We usaully do not concern ourselves with the internal layers of our skin because they are not visisble. Out of sight out of mind. The main issues that concern most of us about our skin is acne and wrinkles but these issues have a lot to do with the workings of the internal layers of the skin.
The skin consists of 3 different types of layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis or subcutis layer. Let us examine each layer in turn.
Epidermis
The Epidermis forms the outer layer of the skin the one that covers our entire body and is visible to our eyes. The Epidermis itself is made up of 3 layers of varying thickness, e.g. the skin on our feet is a lot thicker than say the one under our eyes. The Epidermis is the barrier between us and our environment. Protecting us from harmful elements.
The top layer of our skin is covered with thousands of tiny pores and hair shafts which we are constantly shedding and replacing. New skin is being generated by the bottom layer to replace the one lost by the top layer. The epidermis also has a substance called melanin which is responsible for the color of our skin and protection from the suns radiation.
Dermis
The dermis is the layer of skin which is in between the innermost and outermost layers of the skin. The dermis is home to blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerve tissue, hair follicles, bundles of collagen and sweat glands. This area of the skin has multiple functions. The capability of the skin to feel is managed by the nerve tissues. Nutrients are supplied by the blood vessels. Sometimes we develop goose bumps either due to cold or fear this is when the muscle tissue in the skin has been activated. The other function of the dermis is protection to trap bacteria which has penetrated the epidermis.
Hypodermis or subcutis layer
Hypodermis or subcutis layer is the inner most layer of our skin. This again has multiple functions. It helps to regulate the temperature of our bodies. It contains collagen and insulating fat which is the reason why we keep warm. It also protects our bodies by acting as a cushion or shock absorbers. Adipose tissue is the name given to the connective tissue which makes up this layer of our skin.
Disclosed the mysteries to great appearing
skin care to help preserve your youthful looks and stop the signs of aging. Discover more at
www.skin-care-blog.com This and other
unique content 'skin care' articles are available with free reprint rights.
