The
skin has two main layers. The outer layer is called the epidermis,
this is your first line of defence against aggressors.
It is covered by a microscopic layer of sebum and sweat, which
combines to form a protective acid mantle.
The epidermis itself consists of dead and dying hardened skin
cells that are constantly shed and replaced by newer ones
beneath. These skin cells are produced in the basal layer,
at the bottom of the epidermis, and take between 21 and 28
days to reach the surface layer, called the stratum
corneum.
The epidermis is patrolled by mobile molecules called langerhans
cells. They move between skin cells looking for bacteria,
microbes or otherwise abnormal cells. When a langerhans cell
finds an abnormal cell, it binds itself to it and ensures
that the invader is expelled. In addition, the langerhans
cells act as the skin's paramedics, rushing to the site of
cuts and abrations, where they help close and heal surface
wounds. These cells are vital to your immune system.
Beneath the epidermis is the dermis.
This large nutrient-rich area acts as a full support system,
housing blood vessels, collagen, sweat glands, melanocytes,
nerves, hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Blood vessels
nourish the developing skin cells at the base of the epidermis
and help supply this important area with the nutrients it
needs to function properly.
Collagen is a complex protein that gives the skin its fullness
and resilience. Bundles of collagen fibers are held together
by another protein called elastin. Together they allow the
skin to spring back into place when distorted. The condition
of your collagen and elastin fibers defines the extent to
which your skin displays the symptoms of aging, a phenomenon
you can read more about at:
Melanocytes are
cells found in the basal layer
and the epidermis. They are the
skin's first line of defence against damage from UVA-light
and UV-rays. They release melanin, a skin-darkening pigment,
in response to UVA-light.
Nerves function as a physical hotline to the brain and are
fundamental to our sense of touch; determining the shape,
texture and temperature of any object encountered. They are
therefore essential for exploring and evaluating the outside
world and are especially plentiful in key areas such as the
hands, fingers, and on the face.
The hair follicle houses the growing hair and its root, but
is also host to the sebaceous gland,
and the apocrine sweat gland. Hair grows straight through
the epidermis from its root at the top of the dermis. The
sebaceous gland secretes sebum, the oily, protective substance
produced to lubricate the hair and skin.
Sweat
glands are situated at the bottom of the sweat duct and react
directly to heat, secreting water and certain mineral salts
in response to high temperatures, cooling the skin and therefore
the body. Interestingly, some sweat glands also react to emotional
influences, such as stress and fear.
At the base of the dermis we find an area called the
sub-coetaneous fatty layer, or the sub-dermis. Here
a layer of fat cells provides additional cushioning for the
delicate workings of the dermis, and helps conserve heat in
cold weather.
The way the skin looks and behaves depends on a combination
of factors. Genetics plays a vital role but also: poor diet,
stress, illness, smoking, hormonal changes, pollution and
UVA exposure affect your skin. Therefore you must take steps
to eliminate or minimize negative external influences.
When this is done you can start treating your skin with the
best Skin Care Products on the market. Apply The Super Glandin®
Creams to your Skin daily and regain the perfect creation
the skin once was.
