Understanding our Skin

Each layer services an important role in keeping the skin healthy. The picture above show us that our skin as three main layers: 

1. Epidermis

2. Dermis

3. Deep subcutaneous

Your epidermis is showing!!! 

Lol… It’s supposed to show.

The epidermis is the top layer of the skin that is visible to our eyes.  The epidermis serves as a protection to the skin from the environment, bacteria, infections, and viruses that floats in the air. This layer of skin is also waterproof. It protects us from different weather changes and it helps regulate body temperatures.  For example, if it is cold outside it produces a little heat to keep us warm and if it is hot it helps keep the body cool.  

The epidermis is also divided in multiple layers. The picture on the right hand side shows the 9 different layers in the epidermis:

1. Startum corneum

2. Startum lucidum

3. Stratum granulosum

4. Lamellar granules

5. Stratum sponosum

6. Keratinocyte

7. Stratum basale

8. Merkel cell

9. Melanocyte 

In the mid-section of the epidermis is Keratinocyte. Keratinocyte also known as Keratin is not only in our hair but is also in our skin. The keratin in our skin keeps water from entering deep into our skin. This protein keep our skin waterproof and firm. 

Where do new skin cells come from?

The epidermis is made up of millions are cells called the squamous cells that make the skin.  The squamous cells are produced in the lower part of the epidermis.  Our skin goes through a process of shedding off dead skin and producing new skin. When the new skin is made it travels to the top of the epidermis and the old skin sheds off. This process occurs monthly.  

Skin tone

Do you ever wonder about the different skin tones and how it is created? The answer is in the epidermis.  In figure 2, melanocyte is located in the lower part of the epidermis. Melanocyte is what makes melanin also known as pigment.  The more melanin the skin makes the darker the skin. Melanin is also responsible for tanning and skin burn. The melanocyte protects us from the sun rays. The more melanin you make the more it absorbs from the sun. However, when the skin is unable to absorb a lot of the sun it burns and this is not good for your skin. The damage from the sun ray also causes wrinkles.  

Resources

1. The layers of the skin. American Academy of Dermatology Association 2018.

The dermis is located under the epidermis. It is divided into two sections, papillary dermis and reticular dermis. The dermis protects what is under the epidermis that we cannot see. Dermis gives the skin shape by holding it together. The dermis also plays a role in the nervous system (where we feel pain), lymph vessels, blood vessels, skin fat, sweat glands (what make us sweat and assist with removing toxins), hair follicles (hair growth), sebaceous glands (connective tissues producing oil lubrication that keep the skin soft and waterproof). If you ever wonder where pimples come from, it is in this area. When the dermis makes too much oil it clogs the pores and causes pimples, zits, and acne. Just like the epidermis, the dermis also support with regulating body temperature. 

We finally reach the area that protects our bones, muscles, blood vessels, and nerve cell. This area is called the subcutaneous fat. The subcutaneous fat is the last layer of the skin. The fats and connectives tissues in this area keeps the bones and muscles intact and prevent it from poking through the skin.