The 3 Layers of Our SkinThe skin is made up of layers called the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Most of us are familiar with the epidermis, which is the outer layer. This is the layer that functions as a barrier to the external environment.
It the part of the skin that we see when we look in the mirror, and the part that bisters, flakes, burns, wrinkles, and breaks out.
The cells of the epidermis, called keratinocytes, move from the bottom layer of the epidermis to the top layer, building up a large amount of keratin and developing a tough outer shell. Once these cells reach the top layer, they flake off. This is known as exfoliation.
An entirely new epidermis is formed about every 28 days, a rate that slows down with age. Melanin in the epidermis gives the skin its color and also protects the underlying layers from the damaging effects of the sun.
The epidermis is covered with a thin layer of natural oil and perspiration that is called the acid mantle. It has an average pH of 4.5 to 5.5 and protects the skin against bacteria. Oily skin is usually less acidic, while dry skin tends to be more acidic.
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and is known as the "true skin". This is the site of the collagen and elastin fibers which give the skin its strength and flexibility.
It the part of the skin that we see when we look in the mirror, and the part that bisters, flakes, burns, wrinkles, and breaks out.
The cells of the epidermis, called keratinocytes, move from the bottom layer of the epidermis to the top layer, building up a large amount of keratin and developing a tough outer shell. Once these cells reach the top layer, they flake off. This is known as exfoliation.
An entirely new epidermis is formed about every 28 days, a rate that slows down with age. Melanin in the epidermis gives the skin its color and also protects the underlying layers from the damaging effects of the sun.
The epidermis is covered with a thin layer of natural oil and perspiration that is called the acid mantle. It has an average pH of 4.5 to 5.5 and protects the skin against bacteria. Oily skin is usually less acidic, while dry skin tends to be more acidic.
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and is known as the "true skin". This is the site of the collagen and elastin fibers which give the skin its strength and flexibility.
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