Overview of Skin Biology

As the largest organ you have, your skin is very important. It's responsible for protecting your body from microbes, the weather and any irritating particles, as well as regulating your temperature. It's important to practice good skin care habits in order to promote skin health. Learn about the biology of your skin, the different skin types, the importance of proper skin care habits and important skin care products you should be using.

Skin Biology: The Skin's Three Layers

The structure of the skin, which averages a total area of about 20 square feet, contains three different layers, each with a separate biology and different functions. These layers are the:

• Epidermis
• Dermis
• Subcutaneous tissue.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of your skin. It's responsible for your skin tone, and can be very thin (as in on the eyelids) or quite thick (the soles of the feet). Although your skin has three general layers, the epidermis alone contains its own five layers:

• Stratum basale
• Stratum spinosum
• Stratum granulosum
• Stratum lucidum
• Stratum corneum.

The second general layer of the skin is called the dermis, which contains:

• Connective tissue
• Hair follicles
• Sweat glands.

This area also houses blood vessels and nerves, which let the body know when there is the feeling of pain or an itch.

The third general layer of the skin is the subcutaneous tissue, which consists of fat and more connective tissue with nerves and blood vessels. This layer regulates the temperature of the skin and the body.

Skin Care for Different Skin Types

The skin covers the body from head to toe, and not having clear skin can make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed. Your skin's appearance will depend on your skin care habits and your specific skin type. The most common skin types are the following:

• Combination skin tends to have a T-zone, an oily area that literally looks like the letter T, going across the forehead and coming down the nose to the chin. Outside the t-zone, there may be dry skin.
• Dry skin can be caused the body shedding too many cells, and can look dull and feel itchy.
• Normal skin (or clear skin) has unnoticeable pores, the skin isn't oily or dry and there aren't blemishes.
• Oily skin has a shiny look, is prone to acne and has visible pores.

Skin Care Products for Skin Care Needs

To care for your specific skin type, choose skin care products that are made for dry skin, oily skin or combination skin. As the largest organ in the body and the one that is the most visible, it is important to cleanse, moisturize and protect it.

Resources

MyDr. Staff. (2009). Skin biology and structure. Retrieved March 18, 2010, from the MyDr. Web site: http://www.mydr.com.au/skin-hair/skin-biology-and-structure.

Nordenberg, T. (n.d.). Men: "Play it safe" with your skin. Retrieved March 18, 2010, from the Discovery Health Web site: http://health.discovery.com/centers/mens/skincare/skincare.html.