Skin is the largest organ on your body, contrived of several different components, including water, protein, lipids, and different chemicals and minerals. On average, your skin weighs about six pounds. It’s care and attention is crucial. Throughout your life, skin will change constantly, for better or worse. Your skin will regenerate itself approximately every 27 days. Correct care is essential to maintaining the health and vitality of this protective organ.
· Complete cleansing. You should perform this daily. At night, make sure you remove all your make-up and cleanse properly before going to bed.
· Use a gentle soap.
· Well-adjusted nutrition.
· Moisturizing. This is recommended even for those who have oily skin.
· Good products are probably the most important thing that you can do for your skin. Limiting your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wearing protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat, are also recommended.
Over time, you should pay attention to all parts of your skin. Acquaint yourself with it, so you’ll be aware of any changes that might occur, such as different moles or patches that might indicate skin cancer. Whenever you have a question or concern, make sure you see your doctor.
There are medical terms for various parts of your skin. Here’s a rough guide to what those terms mean.
The stratum corneum contains dead skin cells that used to exist in the epidermis. Using facial scrubs and some other skin products will remove or thin this layer.
The epidermis is the thinnest layer in your skin, but it’s responsible for protecting you from the harsh environment. The epidermis has five layers of its own. It also hosts different types of cells: keratinocytes produce the protein known as keratin, the main component of the epidermis. Melanocytes produce your skin pigment known as melanin. Langerhans cells prevent foreign substances from getting into your skin.
This is the layer responsible for dry, crunchy, and wrinkled skin. The dermis is a complex combination of blood vessels, hair follicles, and sebaceous (oil) glands. Here, you’ll find collagen and elastin, two proteins necessary for skin health because they offer support and elasticity. Fibroblasts are the cells you’ll find in this layer because they synthesize collagen and elastin. This layer also contains nerves that sense pain, touch, and temperature.
Reduction of tissue in this layer is what causes your skin to sag as well as wrinkle. This layer hosts sweat glands, and fat and loose
connective tissue. The subcutis is responsible for conserving your body’s heat and protecting your vital inner organs.
Collagen is found in the dermis and is the most abundant protein in the skin, making up 75% of this organ. This is also your fountain of youth. It’s responsible for warding off wrinkles and fine lines. Over time, environmental factors and aging diminish your body’s capability to produce collagen and can also break down current collagen.
When you hear the word elastin, think elastic. This protein is found with collagen in the dermis and is responsible for giving structure and support to your skin and organs. As with collagen, elastin is affected by time and the elements. Diminished levels of this protein cause your skin to wrinkle and sag.
