Skin is an expression of one’s existence in the outer world. It is a mark of beauty, a sheath that protects our inner self from the outer world, and our first layer that communicates with the outer world. A great skin quality is the top wish for every individual, and so many people experience physical, mental, and emotional strain to attain and maintain a youthful, clear, and smooth skin. Skin is the largest organ for a reason! It is often looked-upon just as a beauty sheath, however, there is so much happening beneath those intricate layers of skin, which justifies why skin is an organ way beyond its beauty aspect, serving some important functions of the body for maintaining a balanced state of health.
Skin comprises of live tissue layers that has different functions to perform. This gives another perspective to skin health, as you focus on caring for your skin. Maintaining a great skin health is not just imperative for beauty but also for health. The three layers of the skin and its functions justify the fact!
Epidermis: Epidermis is the skin layer that we can see, touch, and beautify. This outermost layer is constantly regenerating every few weeks and defines our skin tone and color, protects us from bacteria, viruses, fungi and other infectious organisms. This defense mechanism of skin is executed by protective substances and immune responses in-built in the skin. Even sweat and sebaceous glands act as protective layers by forming a thin, acidic layer to restrict microbial activity on skin. Deeper cells in the epidermal layer produce vitamin D which is important for bone health. This layer also maintains the hydration levels and keep the pollutants at bay. AN extensive colony of beneficial microbes residing on this layer of skin, fights against pathogens.
Dermis: Dermis is the layer that lies beneath the epidermis. This layer maintains skin suppleness, structure and strength. Collagen and elastin, the most important factor against wrinkling and sagging skin, are a part of this layer. Collagen gives the skin a youthful plump appearance, while elastin helps maintain skin elasticity. This layer is also active with much physiological activity going on under its layers. Sweat glands in dermis produce sweat that is secreted out via pores in the epidermis. The sweat activity helps to regulate the body temperature and cool it down when body temperature rises due to heat. Hair follicles in this layer also help in temperature regulation and protects against external factors. The quality of hair is dependent on the health of hair follicles. The oil glands (sebaceous glands) are also a part of dermis and keep the body hair moisturized keeping it safe from dust and bacteria. Keratin, a fibrous protein is also a part of dermis and makes skin, hair and nails, water-resistant. Dermis contains dense network of nerves that make you feel the sensation of pain, pleasure, hot, cold, roughness and smoothness. Blood vessels in dermis bring heat to the skin surface by expanding due to heat generated by exercise, activity, or hot weather. In a heated environment in skin layers created by blood, sweat is released from the sweat glands which also releases excess heat and cools down the body, thus regulating temperature. Further, the sebaceous glands in the dermis secrete sebum to lubricate the skin.
Hypodermis or Subcutaneous Layer: This layer is made up of connective tissue and fat and lies just below the dermis. It acts as a shock-absorber to protect bones and joints against jerks. This layer gives body its contours. This layer protects the body components internally by cushioning them with a layer of adipose fat. The adipose fat also fuels energy. This layer also connects skin to muscles and bones and takes and connects nerves and blood vessels deeper into the body. Even the many important hormones such as vitamin D (with exposure to sunlight) are produced in the fat cells contained in the subcutaneous layer.