Skin Layers
Our skin is built up of two main layers. Within these two
layers there are a range of different skin cells, sub-layers,
nerves, blood vessels, sweat and oil glands, hair follicles,
collagen and elastin fibres.
The first, outer layer of skin is called the Epidermis. The
thickness of the Epidermis differ from person to person. The
Epidermis itself consists of four other main layers, which
are: the Stratum Corneum, the Stratum Granulosum, the Stratum
Spinosum and the Basal Layer.
The Stratum Corneum is the top layer in the Epidermis and
is mostly composed of dead, flat skin cells.
The dead cells
of the Stratum Corneum are shed approximately 2-4 weeks.
The
Basal layer is in the base of the Epidermis, this is where
the new cells are born and pushed towards the Stratum Corneum.
As the cells approach the skin’s surface, they flatten and
eventually die away. When the layer before them is shed, they
become the outer surface of the Epidermis.
Below the Epidermis lies the second major layer, which is
called the Dermis.
The Dermis is entirely made up of living cells. The Dermis
layer of the skin consists of blood vessels, elastin fibres,
collagen, lymphatic channels, oil and sweat glands.
The two
main sub-layers of the Dermis are: the Papillary Dermis layer
and the Reticular Dermis layer.
The Papillary layer has a thin layer of Collagen fibres aligned
parallel to the skin’s surface. When these fibres begin to
weaken, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear.
In the Reticular layer thicker Collagen fibres are lined
up parallel to the surface, as well as many other specialised
cells and structures, including hair follicles, sweat and
oil glands, blood vessels and nerves.
The Reticular layer
is responsible for regulation of the body’s temperature and
sensations (such as pain, itchiness, etc.).
After the Dermis (below that is) lies the Subcutaneous layer,
which is generally composed of fat and connective tissues.
Main nerves and larger blood vessels are located in this layer.
The fat cells of this layer store excess fat when weight gain
occurs. This layer functions as insulation for our body and
will store extra fat to protect us from cold temperatures,
cases of trauma or famine.
This is an elementary view into the world of our skin, the
various layers and how they interact with each other.
The
skin is one of the most complex organs of our body. It is
important to understand simple things about the skin in order
to be able to protect it, prevent any skin conditions and
help to slow down the aging process.
Understanding basic knowledge of the different layers of skin
and how it works will help you to choose appropriate skin
care and look after it properly.
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