Skin Structure

The skin is the largest system in the body; it is a protective cover for all internal organs. Skin is composed of two main layers; the outermost epidermis layer on top of the deeper, underlying dermis layer, which is a highly sensitive and vascular layer of the connective tissue.

The epidermis forms the protective covering of the body. It contains no blood vessels. It has its own process of shedding dead skin cells known as desquamation – the flaking or peeling of skin in small pieces. The desquamation process may be assisted by various methods of exfoliation such as face and body scrubs, using loofahs and bath brushes, and AHA peels.

In the epidermis there is a horny layer consisting of three levels:

Stratum Corneum

• Flat dead cells that provide a barrier to the elements of the environment.
• These cells are completely filled with keratin and are continuously shed and replaced.
• These cells are arranged in the skin like the bricks of a wall.

Stratum Lucidium

• A layer of clear, flat, dead cells.
• Clear substance is present called eleiden, which becomes keratin.
• This layer is only found in the skin of the palms and soles of feet.

Stratum Granulosum

• Keratohyalin forms keratin and is found in the top most layer of the epidermis.
• Layers are made up of three and five rows of cells in various stages of degeneration.

Obviously, this outermost, epidermis layer is the part we can see and touch and to which we want to apply beauty products. This layer of skin depends for its youthful look and resilience on the constant supply of water from the lower layers. The human body is made up of 75% water and 15% of this is found in the dermis. The acid mantle, also known as the hypo-lipidic film, is found on this very top layer of the skin. This natural acidity of the skin or hair helps to retard irritation or bacterial growth. It is formed when sebum (the fatty secretion of the sebaceous glands), sweat and water mix leaving a slightly acidic protective emulsion. This hypo-lipidic film also helps to prevent excessive evaporation of water from the skin surface.