Skin Health
Skin Health
The largest organ on a person’s body is the skin. The skin has three layers including the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The skin is flexible and acts as a barrier that helps protect the body from certain things such as moisture, cold, sun, germs, and more. It is important to keep the skin healthy as it has many important functions.
Epidermis
The outer layer of the skin is called the epidermis. It is composed of cells that produce Keratin. As new cells are made, they are moved up to the outer layer of the skin and harden. Not is not the only cells that the epidermis produce. There are other cells including melanocytes, lymphocytes, and merkel cells. These cells have special functions. When a person is exposed to sunlight, the job of melanocytes is to produce a dark pigment called melanin to help protect the body from UV rays. Lymphocytes also have an important role. When one gets exposed to germs, it is the lymphocytes job to grab and transport to nearest lymph nodes. The lymph nodes act as filters and fight against infection. Merkle cells are located at the outer layer of the epidermis and are responsible for recognizing light touch. The Epidermis is constantly renewing itself.
Dermis
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin. It is stretchy and fibrous. It is composed of collagen, elastic tissue, and other extracellular fibers. The role of the dermis is to help regulate the body, support the skin, responsible for sensation, and also help produce sweat.
Hypodermis
The hypodermis is mainly made up of fat and connective tissue. It is responsible for storing energy, connecting the dermis to muscle and bones, and protecting the internal organs from harm. It has blood vessels and helps support the epidermis and dermis by providing nutrients to those two layers.
Skin Aging Factors
Extrinsic and intrinsic factors contribute to skin aging. Intrinsic factors include genetic factors to aging. Extrinsic factors are things that the skin is exposed to that contributes to premature aging. Some of these factors include; smoking, sun, tanning beds, stress, pollution, sleep, nutrition, and so on. By preventing some of this, it could possibly help the premature aging of the skin. It is important to have good skin health to help reduce the risk of premature aging of the skin and worse serious conditions including skin cancer. As premature aging happens, one might notice hyperpigmentation, dry skin, wrinkles, sagging skin, hair loss, and sunken cheeks.
Skin Aging Health
There are factors that can help slow down skin aging. Having adequate amounts of water can help hydrate the skin and keep it healthy. Certain creams can also help. Wrinkles creams often have a moisturizer that will help plump up the skin along with other ingredients that will help with fine lines and wrinkles. Choosing a cream should be tailored to that individuals need to get the most benefit. Sunscreen that has SPF greater than 30 can help protect the skin from being damaged. Tinted sunscreen can be beneficial because it helps protect the skin from UV rays and light which contributes to skin aging. Botox and fillers can also help with fine lines and wrinkles. Botox can help with dynamic wrinkles while fillers can help create volume in hollow areas of the face. Sleep, diet, and nutrition can also benefit as well.
