There are two structural types of skin:
1. Glabrous-having no hair follicles, such as palms of hands and soles of feet.
2. Hairy-containing hair follicles as in the diagram below.
WebMD provides a detailed description of the human skin anatomy and describes 3 distinct layers as follows:
- Epidermis or Epithelium-the surface visible to the naked eye consisting of epithelial cells that die off and shed. Squamous cells are on top and basal cells are at the bottom. They are very sensitive to the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays from the sun. When exposed to sunlight, vitamin D is produced here.
- Dermis-2nd layer containing capillaries, hair follicles, capillaries, sebaceous (oil) glands (attached to hair follicles), sweat glands, lymph vessels, nerve endings, collagen, and elastin. Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that protects against water loss for adequate hydration. Scar tissue does not have oil or sweat glands.
- Subcutis, Hypodermis, or Subcutaneous-3rd and bottom layer housing fat cells, connective tissue, nerves, and larger blood vessels. This layer provides temperature insulation and shock absorption to protect internal organs. Body temperature regulation is based on the blood vessels' response to the amount of blood flow to the dermis.
Melanocytes produce the melanin that gives skin its color and are found at the very bottom of the epidermis. They make up less than 10% of one's skin cells. Everyone has the same number of melanocytes, but it is the activity that varies.
The dead skin in the epithelium contains a protein called keratin that protects the body from exposure to harmful chemicals. Keratin is the strongest of all the skin proteins found also in hair and nails.
The dead skin in the epithelium contains a protein called keratin that protects the body from exposure to harmful chemicals. Keratin is the strongest of all the skin proteins found also in hair and nails.
Collagen is the most predominant protein in the skin. Collagen and elastin are responsible for the strength, firmness, and flexibility of skin and depletes with age.
Skin Shedding Not Just For Reptiles
According to How Many Skin Cells Do You Shed Every Day by Greg Grabianowski on the howstuffworks website, the average adult has 10 trillion skin cells of which 30,000-40,000 die off per hour. Skin sheds from the bottom up yielding around a million skin cells every 24 hours! Did you know that 50%-75% of the dust in anyone's home is actually dead skin cells. Ewwwwwww! Is that gross or what? The entire shedding cycle is usually complete between 4 to 6 weeks when a totally new skin emerges.
Skin type is predetermined by the activity of your oil glands which is predetermined by your genes or hereditary.
Dry
Oil glands that do not produce enough oil to prevent water loss cause dryness, flakiness, and fine lines.
Normal
Oil glands that produce an ideal amount of oil that prevents water loss leading to minimal skin issues.
Combination
When the activity of the oil glands vary in different locations of the face or body, more than one skin type will be present.
Sensitive
Skin that is over-reactive to outside irritants. Possibly due to low number of keratinocytes that shield from harmful chemicals.
Hyperpigmentation
When melanocytes become overly active in response to some type of irritant or trauma. Excessive amounts of melanin will be produced at the area of assault causing dark spots and blotches.
Enlarged Pores
Pores are simply openings for hair follicles and sebum (oil) to reach the skin surface. The number and size of the pores are determined by genetics. Aging, external irritants, and ultraviolet rays can expand and distort their natural shape.
Wrinkles and Sagging
The breakdown of collagen and elastin deprives the skin of its supportive foundation. Aging, illnesses, and sun damage are the culprits.
Sunshine: Friend or Enemy
Life on this planet could not exist without the sun. There is no debate on that. However, too much exposure to the human covering will do far more harm than good. What we call sunshine is actually electromagnetic radiation that is both visible and invisible. The invisible light has a shorter wavelength and it called ultraviolet. When it comes in contact with human skin, it facilitates melanin production making us darker. For many people, that is a big plus, but there is a high price to pay.
Ultraviolet rays signal abnormal replication of squamous and basal cells in the epithelium leading to skin cancer. Treatment can cause disfigurement. Did I mention that any form of cancer is life-threatening?
Melanin production can occur in irregular and uneven patterns giving you more spots than a leopard!
Capillaries in the dermis can over-dilate and rupture
yielding overly reddened, mottled, and splotchy looking skin...yuk!
The surface of super sensitive or pale skin will not tan, but burn. Ouch! That's no fun.
Disintegration of the lipid barrier, collagen, and elastin might happen making you look like a prune!
Sunbathers beware: Research has shown that the majority of problems for older skin was more attributed to sun damage than the actual aging process. Wow!
Sunlight is pretty, but make sure you are protected.
Use topical sunscreens generously SPF (sun protection factor)15 or higher.
Shield yourself with wide-brim hats and umbrellas on bright sunny days.
If outdoors search for the shade. It is a lot cooler and safer.
Last but not least, stay indoors on sunny days. It does not mean you are a vampire if you just come out after dark. I can almost hear Vincent Price laughing from MJ's Thriller!
As we get older, things will breakdown, slow down, and shut down including our skin. Some of the changes are inevitable and others can be prevented and even reversed. No need to rush to get under the scalpel. The fountain of youth is now in a bottle and at the office of your local dermatologist. There is an entire science evolving from cutting edge technology dedicated to solutions for aging skin. Be sure to check for future and previous posts addressing such issues.
As already stated, this blog is dedicated to the beautification of the largest and one of the most important organs of the human anatomy. Proper skin care and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in making our amazing skin even more amazing.
All questions and relevant comments pertaining to the topic are welcomed and encouraged.
Stay-tuned----->There is more to come!
The Lipid Barrier
The sebaceous or oil glands produce an oily substance containing fatty compounds called lipids. They create a barrier on the top layer preventing microbes from entering and water and electrolytes from exiting.
The sebaceous or oil glands produce an oily substance containing fatty compounds called lipids. They create a barrier on the top layer preventing microbes from entering and water and electrolytes from exiting.
Hydrate Me Please
When we soak in water, it goes no further than the epidermis and will eventually evaporate. Topical moisturizers are designed to prevent that evaporation for a limited time. The water we consume internally feeds the dermal cells via the bloodstream. Our lipid barrier holds the water in so cells can function properly.
There are 4 basic cosmetic skin types:
Oily
Oil glands that are overly active produce too much oil that irritates skin causing outbreaks like acne and blackheads.
Dry
Oil glands that do not produce enough oil to prevent water loss cause dryness, flakiness, and fine lines.
Normal
Oil glands that produce an ideal amount of oil that prevents water loss leading to minimal skin issues.
Combination
When the activity of the oil glands vary in different locations of the face or body, more than one skin type will be present.
What Are Your Issues?
Sensitive
Skin that is over-reactive to outside irritants. Possibly due to low number of keratinocytes that shield from harmful chemicals.
Hyperpigmentation
When melanocytes become overly active in response to some type of irritant or trauma. Excessive amounts of melanin will be produced at the area of assault causing dark spots and blotches.
Enlarged Pores
Pores are simply openings for hair follicles and sebum (oil) to reach the skin surface. The number and size of the pores are determined by genetics. Aging, external irritants, and ultraviolet rays can expand and distort their natural shape.
Wrinkles and Sagging
The breakdown of collagen and elastin deprives the skin of its supportive foundation. Aging, illnesses, and sun damage are the culprits.
Sunshine: Friend or Enemy
Life on this planet could not exist without the sun. There is no debate on that. However, too much exposure to the human covering will do far more harm than good. What we call sunshine is actually electromagnetic radiation that is both visible and invisible. The invisible light has a shorter wavelength and it called ultraviolet. When it comes in contact with human skin, it facilitates melanin production making us darker. For many people, that is a big plus, but there is a high price to pay.
Ultraviolet rays signal abnormal replication of squamous and basal cells in the epithelium leading to skin cancer. Treatment can cause disfigurement. Did I mention that any form of cancer is life-threatening?
Melanin production can occur in irregular and uneven patterns giving you more spots than a leopard!
Capillaries in the dermis can over-dilate and rupture
yielding overly reddened, mottled, and splotchy looking skin...yuk!
The surface of super sensitive or pale skin will not tan, but burn. Ouch! That's no fun.
Disintegration of the lipid barrier, collagen, and elastin might happen making you look like a prune!
Tips for Sun Worshipers
Sunlight is pretty, but make sure you are protected.
Use topical sunscreens generously SPF (sun protection factor)15 or higher.
Shield yourself with wide-brim hats and umbrellas on bright sunny days.
If outdoors search for the shade. It is a lot cooler and safer.
Last but not least, stay indoors on sunny days. It does not mean you are a vampire if you just come out after dark. I can almost hear Vincent Price laughing from MJ's Thriller!
Not Older Only Better
As already stated, this blog is dedicated to the beautification of the largest and one of the most important organs of the human anatomy. Proper skin care and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in making our amazing skin even more amazing.
All questions and relevant comments pertaining to the topic are welcomed and encouraged.
Stay-tuned----->There is more to come!
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