Skin Function To function properly, the skin carries out
a number of activities.
Nutrition Nutrition
of the epidermis is assured by the capillary vessels of the dermis.
They provide cells with the nutriments necessary to their development.
Hydration Hydration of the epidermis is assured by:
•
Water coming from the dermis.
•
Natural moisturising oils (NMO) produced
by the amino-acids of the epidermal cells. The NMO contains
some hydrophilic molecules which allow the stratum corneum to
trap internal water and to regulate its level through an exchange
between the environment and the body.
•
NMO and water are responsible for the
skin's smooth feel, its supple look and its elasticity.
•
Moisturiser gives a false sense of
softness to the skin. It is an unnatural lubricant generally
unrelated in composition to the Natural hydrophilic layer.
Protection Protection of the epidermis against the
environment is assured by:
•
the stratum corneum
•
the hydrolipidic film
•
melanin, a pigment manufactured by
the skin to protect it against day-to-day exposure to sunlight.
The thicker the Stratum corneum the greater the natural sun protection.
Young children and babies have a very thin layer therefore a young
person's skin requires greater protection than adults.
Cellular Regeneration The epidermis renews itself continuously by
cell division in the dermo-epidermal junction. The regeneration cycle
for a young, healthy epidermis is about three to four weeks (from
the birth of a cell to its natural desquamation at the surface of
the stratum corneum). With ageing, Ultra violet damage and some medication
(such as steroid) the duration of the cycle increases.
eg. The skin on an aged sun damaged arm is paper thin and very fragile.
Secretion / Perspiration Secretions come from the sebaceous and sweat
glands. Sweat glands secrete perspiration, which plays a constant
heat controlling role.
Sebaceous glands secrete sebum which lubricates the surface of the
epidermis. Sweat and sebum are the two main components of the hydro-lipidic
film on the surface of the skin.
In the hair bearing areas an excess of sweating unrelated to exertion
or stress may require special treatment . The condition is called
hyperhidrosis. Surgical relief is often very effective.
Skin Respiration Skin perspiration represents between 5 and
10% of total water loss of the body.
All
Of these activities assist in maintaining a good balance - An essential
condition for beautiful skin. However, skin progressively loses its
ability to react and conserve the balance of its function. With time,
one or several of its activities slow sown, leading to obvious changes:
skin ageing
What is the skin's
basic structure?
What type
of skin do I really have?
Do you regret
those years in the sun?
How will your face age? A personal facial aging profile.
To order
your individual skin care regime.
