All the secrets you wanted to know about skin biology!
Hello there!
Today, we all have an understanding of our mind, body, and soul, how they function, what they need, and what we should give. Amongst all, the skin is the largest organ in our body, we need to give some extra attention to educate ourselves on skin biology. So, let’s dig deep and see beneath our skin to understand its foundation and unlock the Secrets of Skin Biology! As you might know, skin is made of different tissues, forming together as a single structure to perform various critical functions. This structure is made of a complex network acting as an initial barrier against harmful UV rays, pathogens, mechanical injury, and environmental stressors. In addition, the temperature can also be regulated through the sweat glands and blood vessels present. We all have various skin sensations based on touch, pain, heat, cold, pressure, and contact detected by nerve endings. The major source of vitamin D is also the production of D3. This structure consists of three major layers-the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. All the significant functions are carried out by the topmost layer called the epidermis. So, let us review the anatomy of all these layers.
The Epidermis
Being the outermost layer of our skin, the epidermis is made of five different layers: stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale. The stratum basale is a place where keratinocytes are synthesized and eventually rise to the top of the layer through keratinization, as these cells are at the innermost layer of the epidermis. Keratinization takes around 28 days to reach the top layer, but as we age, this process slows down.
Under the deepest layer of the stratum basale lies melanocyte cells, where melanin is synthesized. It is a pigment that is generated to give a certain color to our body. Melanin percentage varies from skin to skin based on melanocyte functioning. UV radiation can stimulate and trigger melanocytes to produce more and more melanin, resulting in hyperpigmentation and skin aging. Here comes sunscreen to our rescue to maintain an even skin tone and protect our skin’s glowing abilities. So, do not forget your SPF!
The Dermis
The middle layer is the dermis, which is the area that gives us sensations due to the presence of nerve endings. The dermis is a combination of nerve endings, hair follicles, and capillaries with connective tissue. Our body sweat is produced in this part of the skin through apocrine glands, and the skin’s moisture is locked with sebaceous glands. These are the primary glands in this layer, protecting the skin from oil clogging and maintaining moisture by producing sweat. The Dermis has two different layers in it called the papillary dermis and the reticular dermis. The thinnest upper layer, the papillary dermis, contains capillaries that regulate our skin temperature and provide nutrients to the epidermis. The Reticular dermis is the thickest lower layer in the dermis, containing connective tissue and collagen bundles. Being an important protein of our body, collagen provides shape and structure by giving elasticity and strength to the skin. Yes, it is that one spoon of powder that we all are consuming every day to maintain our skin’s strength. Elastin is another protein that supports and complements collagen by maintaining the flexibility of the skin. As we grow older, both these fibers get affected by our external and internal surroundings, resulting in wrinkles. Therefore, if necessary, add collagen to your palate- it helps!
The Hypodermis
Also called the subcutaneous layer, the hypodermis is the bottom-most layer of the skin and consists of fatty tissue. This tissue consists of fat and functions as an insulator and shock absorber, conserving body heat and protecting inner organs. The hypodermis stores fat as energy reserves, connecting bones and muscles in our body by crossing through blood vessels, nerves, lymph, and hair follicles.
To summarize, understanding skin biology is important to address various skin needs. So, let us all have happy skin by sharing information and educating ourselves.
Learn more about the basics of skin on Active Concepts YouTube channel, tune in!