The skin is a very special organ that is important for the health of the whole organism. It has a variety of functions, and its health is not just a matter of well-groomed appearance. The complex structure of the skin is characterized by a layered structure. Find out what layers the skin consists of and what functions they perform.
Why is skin so important?
Adult skin can be as large as 2 square meters and weigh up to 20 kilograms. Depending on the place on the body, it has a thickness of 0,5 to 4 mm. While it might appear to be ‘simply’ the body’s outer shell, its protective effect is the result of a multitude of complex mechanisms. Moreover, this is not the only task facing the skin.
We divide the skin function into active and passive. Passive functions are related to the protective effect of the skin and concern the protection of internal organs against:
- environmental conditions, i.e. temperature and radiation,
- mechanical factors: impact, friction and pressure,
- biological agents such as microorganisms,
- chemical agents.
The active functions, in turn, are more varied and include:
- thermoregulation through sweat secretion,
- receiving stimuli,
- production of vitamin D,
- production of melanin,
- counteracting microorganisms,
- detection of allergens.
The skin is a very important organ of the human body, therefore it requires specialist care. We recommend Dr Duda’s set of moisturizing cosmetics for a beautiful complexion, which consists of:
- Busko’s sulphide liquid soap,
- Moisturizing sulphide cream with vitamin A + E,
- Biosulfide mist for face and body.
Layers of the skin – division
The skin consists of three main layers: the subcutaneous tissue, the dermis and the epidermis. Here is an overview of the most important characteristics of the different layers of the skin:
Subcutaneous tissue
The subcutaneous tissue is not part of the skin in the literal sense, but rather a kind of litter for the skin that has an auxiliary function. It consists of loose connective tissue filled with fat. Thanks to this, it can maintain body heat, absorb mechanical injuries and provide energy for skin cells. In addition, blood and lymph vessels, as well as nerve fibers run through the subcutaneous tissue. With age, the subcutaneous tissue decreases in volume, which is considered to be one of the causes of skin aging.
For the care of aging skin, try the Anti-Wrinkle and Rejuvenating Day Cream with Green Tea and Anthyllis Hyaluronic Acid, and you can order the Anti-Wrinkle and Rejuvenating Night Cream with Green Tea and Anthyllis Hyaluronic Acid to the set, which together will take care of your skin by moisturizing and tightening it .
Dermis
The dermis is the thickest layer of skin (about 2 mm thick). It consists of collagen, elastin and reticulin fibers, which constitute a strong, flexible tissue consisting of two layers: papillary and reticulate. Papillary connects with the epidermis and is responsible for its nourishment and the discharge of metabolic waste products in the epidermis cells. Reticulated, in turn, protects the deeper structures of the skin and contacts the subcutaneous tissue.
Collagen, reticulin and elastin fibers are a type of scaffold that supports the structures responsible for supporting individual skin functions. We find there blood vessels, nerve endings responsible for receiving stimuli from the skin, as well as sebaceous and sweat glands.
Supplements with collagen have a positive effect on the health of the skin. An example of such a product is the 300 mg fish collagen capsules, which you can order through Medonet Market.
Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and is directly responsible for protecting the body against external factors. It has the ability to regenerate itself, and its main building blocks are compounds from the keratin group, present in various forms in individual layers of the epidermis. There are five layers of the epidermis:
- Basal layer. It is the innermost layer of the epidermis. It involves reactions producing substances responsible for the skin color, as well as the synthesis of keratin precursors. It also contains immune cells that are designed to fight biological threats from outside.
- The spinous layer consists of tightly packed cells. It is responsible for initiating regenerative processes in the event of damage to the upper layers of the epidermis.
- The granular layer is formed by spindle-shaped cells that are responsible for participating in the synthesis of keratin proteins and protecting the deeper layers of the skin against water.
- Intermediate or light layer. It occurs only in some parts of the body where the skin is extremely thick (e.g. on the heels) as an additional reinforcement.
- The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis that is in contact with the outside world. It is the first barrier that protects the body against external factors. In addition, it is designed to prevent water loss from the body. It consists of keratin-rich cells joined together, the so-called intercellular cement. These cells die over time and are replaced by new cells.
Do you want to keep your skin hydrated? Natural Hydrocuration Orientana creams ensure intensive hydration to reduce water loss.
Leather appendages
Under this mysterious name there are products of the epidermis, like it, made largely of keratin. The appendages of the epidermis include:
- The sebaceous glands are responsible for the secretion of sebum, a substance that moisturizes the skin and maintains its properties.
- Sweat glands, secreting sweat, which enables the skin to fulfill its thermoregulatory function. In addition, sweat transports toxins and other metabolic by-products outside the body.
- Mammary or mammary glands. They are found only in women and are responsible for lactation, that is, the production of food for offspring.
- Hair. They are composed of the following elements: root, bulb, nipple, stem and pad.
- Nails. They mainly consist of keratin and provide additional protection against mechanical factors. It can be said that they are the evolutionary remnant of claws.