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| The skin is a magnificent, complex and multipurpose organ. Through technology we have been able to increase our understanding of this fascinating machine and develop quality treatment skincare that is able to enhance, fine tune and maintain the healthy working functions of the skin. |
FACE THE FACTS
The skin is the largest organ of the body and is made up of 80% water. Weighing in at 7 to 9 pounds, the skin measures an average of 20 square feet. Within one square inch of skin there are 650 sweat glands; 65 hair follicles; 19 yards of capillaries; 78 yards of nerves and thousands of sensory nerves. All of this in a thickness equivalent to a few sheets of paper!
The skin serves a multitude of purposes. The most obvious of these functions is to protect the body systems and internal organs from injury, heat, invasive chemicals and light exposure. The skin also acts as a temperature regulator, enabling the body to adapt to different temperatures by controlling moisture loss. |
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LAYER BY LAYER
The surface of the skin, the part that is visible to the naked eye and upon which skincare products are applied, is in fact a covering of dead skin cells. Under this surface, the many functions of the skin take place through three thin yet very distinct layers of cellular tissue-the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous. Epidermis this layer is responsible for the look and health of the skin, as well as protecting it from moisture loss and penetration of bacteria. The epidermis gives the skin its glow, suppleness, youthfulness and texture. This is also where signs of poor diet, smoking excess sun exposure and free radical damage are visible. In the layers of the epidermis, skin cells develop and are generated to the surface over the course of time. It takes approximately 28 days for a new cell to generate to the surface of the skin where it becomes flat and eventually will be exfoliated naturally or through cosmetic products.
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Dermis this second layer of the skin is much thicker and resilient than the epidermis. This layer serves two principle functions. One is the nutrition of the skin through its network of blood vessels and capillaries. The second is the formation of a supporting framework. The dermis gives the skin elasticity. Subcutaneous this is the skin's third and last layer. It is highly elastic and has fat cells (adipose) acting as "shock absorbers", thus supporting delicate blood vessels and nerve endings. It is in this, the deepest layer that collagen collapses or wrinkles develop first.
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IN THE MIX
There are two types of glands within the skin directly related to the ability of the skin to hold onto its own moisture. The first is the oil gland or sebaceous gland. The primary function of the oil gland is to secrete oil or sebum. This oil lubricates the surface of the skin and serves as a barrier against moisture loss. Excessive oil production is associated with the appearance of acne while the lack of oil secretion is associated with dry skin. The disproportionate distribution of oil on the face is caused by a greater number of oil glands on the forehead, nose and chin than on the sides of the face.
The sweat glands or eccrine/suderiferous glands, function as a cooling system for the body releasing moisture onto the skin surface. The most vital fluid to the skin is its water content. The water distribution on the face is in far greater proportion to the skin, but it is the skin's ability to hold onto its water that is most significant. As this moisture mixes with oil on the skin's surface, the skin develops routine characteristics or skin type. |
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