Basics of the Skin

On average, you have nearly six to seven pounds of organ covering your body, protecting you from dehydration, oxidation and infection.  This organ, called the skin, has some of the most complex cells of the body. A complete study of this organ can fill as many pages as the novel "War and Peace". This won't take that long.

The two main layers of the skin from the inside out are commonly called the dermis and the epidermis layer. Each is a part of our skin that is not so much a barrier but more of an interface to the environment around us. Our skin health can be maintained by proper diet, lifestyle and by the products we apply topically. Take care of yourself and your skin will take care of you.

The dermis is where the party happens. First is what is sometimes called the hypodermis (subcutaneous) layer with a fatty base that acts as a soft buffer to support nerve endings and blood vessels. This layer attaches to the muscle layer below it. Above that is where all the collagen and elastin is that you hear so much about. Actually collagen is a protein that exists in many forms throughout your body, but in your skin it provides the tear strength to your skin. Elastin provides the...you guessed it, elasticity or the ability for your skin to bounce back to a previous shape when pulled, pushed or pinched. Think of collagen and elastin as the columns that support your outer layer of skin.

The party doesn't stop there, oh no! The dermis houses glands, hair, nerves and blood vessels. It creates a highway for nutrients to the layer above it. Around your hair follicles are stem cells that are the beginning of the conveyor belt for daughter cells that move outward to the upper layer. This is happening continuously and at a specific rate. When the skin is damaged (such as from UV radiation) the rate of cell growth increases. Too slow or too fast and your skin suffers. The result can often become cancerous.

Ever seen what happens to a banana or apple without the skin of the fruit? That's oxidation. The epidermis is the first line of defense to stop or slow the effects of oxidation, infection and dehydration. This outer layer has an acidic level that helps to fight off bacteria and virus. (Please, use a toner to balance your skin pH level after cleansing and washing. It really does help.) If you do without a significant part of your stomach, lung, liver, heart or brain and you may live quite a long time. Some that I know with half a brain do quite well. Do without a significant part of your epidermis and you better kiss your loved ones good bye if you don't get help quick...or your hiney if no one is around.

A little bit about applying skin care products. Pores in your skin are NOT holes that allow your skin to breath, they act as sweat pathways that regulates our body temperature and DO allow topically applied ingredients some access to the dermal layer. But it's not that easy. The ability for a product to absorb depends on a several things. The moisture level of your skin can greatly increase the ability of a product to absorb - the higher the moisture level the better so apply product after bathing or showering. It is especially helpful if the product contains highly moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. The younger the body the more the moisture content so before you get to the Scooter stage go out and get yourself some moisturizer.

The health, or lack thereof, of your skin can play a large role in product penetration. Not always good. This is why some people have sensitivities to ingredients at times, not healthy enough and your skin may allow more absorption. Diabetics or those with psoriasis can have increased sensitivities due to higher absorption rates.

Lipid or oil based products have a higher rate of absorption through the epidermis but can get backed up at the dermis layer, which has more water content at a neutral pH balance. Think oil and water together. Ingredient concentration can help to overcome some of this separation effect.

Beauty really isn't only skin deep, don't be afraid to smile really big. Smile lines add character, they really do. But take care of that organ that we all like to tan or color with cosmetics:
☞  Exercise helps with circulation. Our skin is full of vessels.
☞  A healthy diet brings the vitamins and minerals to your skin from the inside out.
☞    Keep your skin pH balanced to fight off bacteria, fungus and virus.

☞   Apply products that are good for your skin. There are a lot of articles available to describe the different ingredients and philosophies. Choose what you feel comfortable with and/or consult a dermatologist.
☞   Use additional SPF products that protect you from UV-A and B radiation from the sun.
☞  Antioxidants have been shown to help the skin resist free radicals. Consume them and apply them.

Michael Lamb
jeunedage.com or ToBetterSkin.com