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GET TO KNOW YOUR SKIN
UNDERSTAND HOW YOUR SKIN WORKS
The 1st secret to having clear, smooth and healthy skin is to know your skin and understand how it works.
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You would need a good understanding of what your skin is made up. This will enable you to make the right decisions about your cosmetic and medical needs.
Knowing your skin and it’s key functions will help you to look after your skin better.
| WHAT ARE THE KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE SKIN? |
So, do you know your skin? What is it? How does it work?
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It’s key functions are
Insulates us from cold by retaining heat Perspires and helps you to cool down Offers protection form potentially harmful things, infection and injury Disposes of waste in the body. Certain waste such as urea is disposed from your body through your skin throughout the day. Manufacture Vitamin D from sunlight Is a sensory organ that can feel heat, pressure, pain, touch and pleasure
The skin reflects your emotions. It becomes red when you’re embarrassed and quickly begins to show signs of stress.
Know your skin and understand that it has the ability to cleanse, heal and even renew itself is important. How effectively it does this is partly governed by how well you have taken care of it.
You should not just take care of the skin on your face. You should also take care of the skin your body.
Know your skin and understand it’s condition as it is an overall reflection of your health. It reveals stress, a poor diet or a lack of sleep. Taking care of your health will benefit your skin.
| WHAT ARE THE 3 LAYERS OF THE SKIN? |
To get to know your skin, you need to understand that the skin has 3 main layers and each layer has its own functions. The 3 layers of the skin are the epidermis, dermis and subcutis.
EPIDERMISDo you know your skin’s epidermis layer? It is the outermost layer of the skin. It looks clear and feels smooth when healthy. To remain healthy, old cells need to be replaced by new cells.
The functions of the epidermis are
Provides protection to your body and helps to prevent infections and invasions Helps to maintain the moisture level of the skin
The epidermis is made of a total of 5 main layers. Each layer comprises living cells with layers comprising dead cells on top.
Do you know your skin is growing constantly? New cells are produced at the bottom layer. The cells die quickly. The formation of new cells pushes these dead cells up until they reach the skin’s surface. The cells which are dead will flake away eventually.
Isn’t it good to know your skin and that it is constantly renewing itself? Each new layer provides another opportunity for healthy skin and a complexion that is glowing.
The living cells at the skin’s lower levels are fed with nutrients. This comes from blood supply beneath the skin. The dead cells at the upper levels need water which will help ensure a smooth and plump complexion.
The epidermis gives the skin coloring. This is where the skin’s pigment is held. Do you know your skin does not share the same thickness throughout your body? As an example, the skin on the feet’s soles is much thicker compared to the skin on the eyelids.
DERMISThe middle layer of the skin is called the dermis. It is just beneath the epidermis. When healthy and richly supplied with blood and moisture, it gives the skin plenty of volume, firmness and radiance.
The whole dermis is comprises living cells and is made up of a lot of fibres. These fibres are tough and make your skin elastic, firm and strong. There are blood vessels feed nutrients to the skin.
Unlike the epidermis, the dermis cannot renew itself. It is good to know the skin and the dermis which is the middle layer of the skin can be damaged permanently thru injury.
The dermis has a number of organs with specialized functions.
Sebaceous Glands
Very tiny organs known as sebaceous glands appear on the skin’s surface as hair follicles. Oily secretions known as sebum are produced here. It is a lubricant for the skin.
You will not find sebaceous glands on most areas of the skin. They are found mostly on the face and scalp. In particular, it is concentrated around the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. That is why you should know your skin and these areas which are usually more oily. The oily areas across the forehead and down the nose and chin are called the T-zone.
Sebum secretion is controlled by hormones and reaches its maximum protection when you reach about 20 years of age. Production decreases after that.
Eccrine Glands
Eccrine glands are commonly called the sweat glands. You will find millions of these sweat glands spread out throughout your body. The sweat glands exist to help control the body’s temperature. The skin’s temperature drops when the body sweats and evaporation takes place.
Apocrine Glands
These are found only in the underarm and ano-genital region and are associated with hair follicles in the dermis. Hairs will grow from these hair follicles. Apocrine produce sweat in small quantities and produces an unpleasant body odor when broken down by skin bacteria.
SUBCUTISThe subcutis is the innermost layer of the skin. It is made mainly of fat. It’s main functions are
Serves as a shock absorber Protects the internal organs Insulates the body against the loss of heat Acts as an energy reserve
| WHAT IS YOUR SKIN TYPE? |
Do you know your skin type? You know your skin best and how it reacts to different things. So analyze and find out your skin type before you buy lots of skin care products. There’s no point in spending a fortune buying the wrong skin care products for your skin type.
Analyze and decide which of the following is your skin type:
Normal Skin Dry Skin Oily Skin Combination Skin Sensitive Skin
Once you know your skin type, you would be in a better position to choose the appropriate skin care products for yourself and develop a facial skin care routine that will work for you.
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