Going Under the Surface: Understanding Your Skin’s Layers
Skin is the body’s largest organ. It’s easy to forget our skin’s role in overall health and wellness. Everything from your immune function to your ability to regulate temperature is dependent, in part, on your skin. It’s tempting to let the skincare aisle fool you into buying 10 different products to meet your needs, but if you want lasting improvements, you need to understand more about what’s happening on (and under) the surface.
Primary Layers
There are three primary layers to your skin, each with an essential role in overall health.
Epidermis
The epidermis is your outer, visible layer of skin. This layer contains the skin’s pigmentation and can vary in thickness depending on its location. The epidermis cells serve several vital functions for your body. Merkel cells sense touch, while Langerhans cells help fight infection. Lipids in this layer help form a waterproof barrier that limits the amount of fluid lost through your skin. On the very top are keratinocytes that keep out unwanted substances and produce the protein keratin.
Dermis
The middle layer of the skin is called the dermis. Your hair follicles, capillaries, and nerve endings are all in this layer. The sebaceous glands in this layer produce a body oil called sebum, while the apocrine glands are responsible for your sweat. The tiny blood vessels in the dermis help regulate your body’s temperature and transport nutrients to the upper epidermal layer. The dermis’s bottom section contains collagen responsible for your skin’s flexibility, strength, and structure.
Hypodermis
Underneath the epidermis and dermis is the hypodermis. This layer is also called subcutaneous tissue. Most of your fat, connective tissue, and nerves are stored in this layer. The hypodermis layer protects your muscles and organs and works with the dermis layer to regulate temperature. A hormone called leptin is also produced here; leptin is responsible for keeping all of your body’s systems in balance.
Other Key Segments
We’re also about to get a bit nerdy for a moment, but it’s important! There are three other key skin segments that are critical to the skin’s function. They are found within the three main layers, but their role and features are easy to overlook when discussing skin health. Knowing how these elements interact with your overall health is vital for maintaining the best skin balance.
Quanta Dermis
The quanta dermis segment refers to the elements that interact with sound and light. Electromagnetic rays (specifically the ultra-violent waves, but also other frequencies) are what cause the most common skin damage from sun exposure. Your skin’s nerve endings can also react from exposure to high-frequency sounds. Constant exposure to certain kinds of light and sound waves can increase inflammation and damage your skin.
Microdermis
Your skin has a microbiome just like other parts, such as your digestive system. This microdermis and its makeup affect how well your skin helps to protect against foreign substances invading your body. There is a proper balance of micro-organisms that allow your skin to stay in homeostasis and operate effectively. Everything you put on your skin can potentially disrupt (or help) this balance.
Acid Mantle
The acid mantle is what gives your skin natural moisture. It’s what makes that dewy glow that everyone desires. The acid mantle combines various secretions from lower layers of skin that rise to the surface of your skin throughout the day. Older adults, and those with damaged skin, might notice an uneven distribution of these secretions due to dead cells or other buildup. Maintaining your acid mantle is essential to naturally-hydrated skin.
Knowledge is Power
Now that you have a better understanding of your skin’s anatomy, you can understand why choosing what skincare or treatment is daunting to say the least! The Skincare professionals at Spa in the City have your back! They are trained to use their vast understanding and knowledge of skin’s complex anatomy when planning your upcoming treatments and at-home care. Trust them to steer you (and steer you well) through the maze we call “Our Skin.”