SKIN SCIENCE

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The human skin is the largest organ in the body. It covers and protects everything inside your body. However, skin can become infected with bacteria, viruses, and fungi, or be irritated by chemicals (from skincare products, makeup, detergent, etc.) and other substances it comes into contact with. Excessive sunlight exposure may affect the skin negatively as well.

The skin consists of three layers.

  • Epidermis

  • Dermis

  • Hypodermis

Each layer plays a role in the normal skin functions.

  1. Epidermis: The epidermis is the outermost layer. 95% of cells in the epidermis are keratinocytes. The epidermis acts as the body's major barrier against an inhospitable environment. It prevents pathogens from entering, making the skin a natural barrier to infection. Additionally, the epidermis regulates the amount of water released from the body into the atmosphere through trans-epidermal water loss. Moreover, the epidermis helps the skin to regulate body temperature.

  2. Dermis: The dermis is an inner layer underneath the epidermis. It contains connective tissues, small blood vessels, elastic fibers, various glands, etc. The dermis is structurally divided into two areas: a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis called the papillary region and a deep thicker area known as the reticular region.

  3. Hypodermis: Also referred to as the subcutaneous tissue, the hypodermis is the deepest layer and contains loose connective tissue and fat. The fat stored in this layer offers some insulation to our body, keeping our skin warm. The blood vessels in the skin are mainly present in the subcutaneous tissue. It serves to fasten the skin to the underlying surface, provide thermal insulation, and absorb shocks from impacts to the skin.

Do you or your baby have eczema, dry skin, or atopic dermatitis? Understanding more about our skin can help us to take care of ourselves and manage various skin disorders effectively. Adequate knowledge about our skin and skin conditions will help us to choose the proper skincare products to maintain our healthy skin and proactively deal with an existing skin condition.