You may already know that your skin is the largest organ. And, your skin reveals what’s going on in your life – both internally and externally – emotionally and physically. Your skin regulates your body temperature and it helps keep you warm. It also shields us from injury. And, it produces vitamin D from the sun.
There are a few layers to your skin. Let’s go through them and then we’ll reveal what they mean and what they really do.
1. The Epidermis – this is what you can see on the outside.
2. The Dermis – underneath the epidermis.
The epidermis is also called the “stratum corneum”. It contains cells called Keratinocytes which start at the bottom and constantly move towards the surface. This process takes about a month. These are what some refer to as “dead skin cells” but even thought they are dead, they still do provide a benefit. It helps protect against losing water & attacks from harmful substances.
A portion of the epidermis is referred to as melanocytes, which produce melanin, giving skin its color. This is what is functioning if you tan. The darker your skin, the more vigorous your melanocytes. No matter your race, though, everyone has the same amount of melanocytes.
Cells called Langerhans cells (also in the epidermis layer) help with our immune system. It helps fight viruses and bacteria.
Next, your dermis:
Here, you’ll find blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics. Collagen is also found in this layer, as well as “elastin fibers”. These two help your skin retain it’s appearance – either firm or slack skin, for example.
Also, part of your skin:
Eccrine glands – here is where sweat is made and can be found in many portions of the skin. This is what regulates temperature.
Apocrine glands – only found in certain areas, linked with hair follicles.
Sebaceous glands – found pretty much everywhere except for a couple places and this is where sebum is made. Sebum is oily and this is what you find a lot of on your face. Every 10 years after your late 20′s, sebum production is reduced by about 30%.
I hope that helps to explain your skin and the functions of each layer.
Continue to read our blog to get more information on the skin!!!
There are a few layers to your skin. Let’s go through them and then we’ll reveal what they mean and what they really do.
1. The Epidermis – this is what you can see on the outside.
2. The Dermis – underneath the epidermis.
The epidermis is also called the “stratum corneum”. It contains cells called Keratinocytes which start at the bottom and constantly move towards the surface. This process takes about a month. These are what some refer to as “dead skin cells” but even thought they are dead, they still do provide a benefit. It helps protect against losing water & attacks from harmful substances.
A portion of the epidermis is referred to as melanocytes, which produce melanin, giving skin its color. This is what is functioning if you tan. The darker your skin, the more vigorous your melanocytes. No matter your race, though, everyone has the same amount of melanocytes.
Cells called Langerhans cells (also in the epidermis layer) help with our immune system. It helps fight viruses and bacteria.
Next, your dermis:
Here, you’ll find blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics. Collagen is also found in this layer, as well as “elastin fibers”. These two help your skin retain it’s appearance – either firm or slack skin, for example.
Also, part of your skin:
Eccrine glands – here is where sweat is made and can be found in many portions of the skin. This is what regulates temperature.
Apocrine glands – only found in certain areas, linked with hair follicles.
Sebaceous glands – found pretty much everywhere except for a couple places and this is where sebum is made. Sebum is oily and this is what you find a lot of on your face. Every 10 years after your late 20′s, sebum production is reduced by about 30%.
I hope that helps to explain your skin and the functions of each layer.
Continue to read our blog to get more information on the skin!!!
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