Skin Basics
An Overview of Skin
- How Can I Keep My Skin Healthy?
- How Does My Skin Work?
- Protecting Your Skin With Preventive Skin Care
- Treating Aging Skin
- Wrinkles
How Does My Skin Work?
Medical terms for various parts of your skin are commonly used today to sell skin care products and procedures. Here's a rough guide to what those terms mean.
- Epidermis: The Outer Layer of Skin
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: stratum germinativum, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum. The epidermis also hosts different types of cells: keratinocytes, melanocytes and Langerhans 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. - Dermis: The Middle Layer
This is the layer responsible for wrinkles. 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 pain and touch receptors. - Hypodermis: The Fatty Layer
Reduction of tissue in this layer is what causes your skin to sag. This layer is also known as the subcutis. It hosts sweat glands, and fat and Collagen cells. The hypodermis is responsible for conserving your body's heat and protecting your vital inner organs. - Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin, making up 75% of your skin. This is also your fountain of youth, for it's responsible for warding off wrinkles and fine lines. Over time, environmental factors and aging diminish your body's ability to produce Collagen. - Elastin
When you hear the word elastin, think elastic. This protein is found with Collagen in the dermis, and is responsible for giving structure 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. - Keratin
Keratin is the strongest protein in your skin. It's also dominant in hair and nails. Keratin is what forms the rigidity of your skin.
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