The skin, the outer covering of the body, is the largest organ and plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body. It protects our internal organs from environmental factors and maintains a balance between the body and the environment.
How is the skin structured and what functions does it perform?
The structure of the skin consists of three layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis is the outer layer, the dermis is where the nerve endings, blood vessels and skin appendages of the skin are located, i.e. hair, nails and glands. The deepest layer is subcutaneous tissue, i.e. a layer of adipose tissue whose task is thermoregulation.
The epidermis consists of keratinized epithelial cells. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis and does not contain blood vessels. It is made up of dead, densely packed cells that are constantly shedding off. The stratum corneum constantly exfoliates as a result of irritating external mechanical and chemical factors. Old cells give way to new ones.
A hydrolipidic barrier is formed on the surface of the skin, located directly on the surface of the stratum corneum, maintaining the appropriate pH. The protective barrier prevents water loss from the deep layers of the skin and protects it from harmful external factors. The result is a beautiful, healthy and radiant complexion.
The dermis is an organ made up of connective tissue cells. It contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and skin appendages. It contains collagen and elastin fibers. In the structure of the dermis, collagen fibers are produced by connective tissue cells – fibroblasts.
Note! Over the course of a lifetime, the skin may become less elastic and more sensitive. The result of this is the appearance of wrinkles. This is the effect of reducing the synthesis (production) of collagen fibers and inhibition of the formation of new blood vessels in the skin.
The deepest layer of subcutaneous tissue consists of loose connective tissue that stores fat. Its main feature is thermal insulation, due to the presence of fat cells in its area.
The sebaceous glands are most numerous at the base of the hair follicle. The secreted sebum protects the skin and hair from the effects of chemical, bacterial and mechanical factors, giving them elasticity and shine.
The skin performs many functions. It is impossible to consciously take care of her proper care without understanding how she works and what functions she performs:
- protects against mechanical, physical (solar radiation, temperature), biological (causative agents) damage;
- maintains water balance due to sweat secretion by sweat glands;
- through the presence of receptors in the skin, the epidermis responds to pain, heat, cold;
- absorbs active ingredients from cosmetics (resorption);
- skin layers synthesizes provitamin D3;
- endocrine secretion and immune function.
The main task of the skin is protection from external factors and regulation of body temperature. It protects against harmful external effects of drying out or excessive moisture, solar radiation, substances with which it comes into contact. The skin breathes, releases and absorbs various substances on its own. Through its pores, compounds harmful to the body come out.
The skin is an important organ of touch, it has a very branched nervous network. Numerous endings are located unevenly throughout the body. Their task is to respond to touch and pain. Protective barrier against pathogenic bacteria, works closely with the immune system. It is worth knowing that the surface of the skin is inhabited by various types of microbes. The balance of the microbiome is the basis for maintaining the proper condition of the skin.
Skin regeneration, how to quickly restore it
The condition of the skin is due to a number of factors. Its appearance depends on race, sex, age and general health. With age, the epidermis does not exfoliate and renew itself as quickly as before. It becomes thinner and drier. The skin produces less melanin, so brownish spots appear on it.
In the dermis, a gel-like substance disappears, filling the space between the fibers of the connective tissue. This reduces the ability to bind water in tissues, which reduces the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Over time, it sags and weakens, so you need to properly care for it. Skin care is the basis for keeping it in good condition. This is especially important when it is exposed to many external factors: sun, wind, frost.
Additional Information! Skin regeneration is a long process. The dead epidermis is sloughed off and replaced by new skin cells. This process can be speeded up a little with the right care. The cosmetic market presents a number of products that help restore the layers of the skin.
Some of them can be prepared independently if you have the right ingredients.
Sources of unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3) in our body are converted into linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, which are necessary for proper functioning. Thanks to acids, skin inflammations and various kinds of irritations calm down, dry skin decreases, psoriasis calms down, hydration and regenerative abilities increase.
Pharmacies have a wide range of skin regeneration creams that are light in texture and absorb quickly.
If necessary, they can even be used under makeup. Cosmetics for various purposes:
- micellar emulsions for facial cleansing;
- exfoliating scrubs;
- nourishing masks;
- vitamin ampoules.
Creams, foams or gels for washing based on only natural ingredients (they include, for example, panthenol, shea butter), take care of preserving the natural lipid layer of the skin.
Beauty salons offer skin restoration treatments, but you can also take care of the right care at home. It is worth starting with proper nutrition and hydration of the body, to support the regeneration of the skin of the face and body. Peelings are regularly used, which exfoliate the dead epidermis, deeply cleanse. The remaining unexfoliated cells on the surface make the skin rough and unattractive.
Important! Peeling is not used on open wounds or scratches on the skin, as this may cause additional irritation. After the procedure, a soothing product that supports regeneration is used.
At night, the skin works harder than during the day. It gets rid of all the impurities that enter the lymphatic system. Elastin fibers are regenerated, the water level in the skin tissues is leveled, the lipid layer on the surface of the epidermis is restored. The active substances of cosmetics applied before bedtime are best absorbed. The effect of a night’s rest is oxygen saturation and nutrition of skin tissues.
How is soft tissue injury treated?
The skin is constantly exposed to damage, so it is worth supporting its regeneration so that it heals as quickly as possible and minimizes the risk of scarring. Panthenol, aloe vera and shea butter are great for soothing irritations. Facial skin regeneration is also improved with the use of hyaluronic acid. There are many restorative creams on the market based on these ingredients.
Skin regeneration with special ingredients:
- panthenol is one of the most commonly used ingredients for skin regeneration. it is used only externally, it is also part of intensively moisturizing creams;
- Sweet almond oil is often used in cosmetics, such as face creams, which soothe irritation, has soothing properties, and protects the skin from the harmful effects of external factors;
- avocado oil is recommended for skin in need of nutrition; unsaturated fatty acids contained in it intensively regenerate the skin;
- vitamin E for sensitive skin has antioxidant properties, neutralizes the action of free radicals, gives the skin tone and improves its elasticity;
- complexes with zinc has a cleansing effect, and also soothes irritations; it is present in many cosmetic products against acne;
- glycerin creates a protective barrier on the skin, making it less susceptible to damage, prevents moisture loss from the epidermis.
The first thing to do is to cleanse your skin. Clogged pores, blemishes or blackheads are just a few. In order to regenerate the skin and take care of its proper hydro-lipid barrier, you can introduce a two-stage facial cleansing into your daily care.
A two-stage cleansing of the skin will allow you to get rid of makeup, sebum accumulated during the day, cosmetic residues and sweat. This process takes place in two stages:
- make-up removal – oil, cosmetic milk;
- washing the face with foam gel or emulsion.
Thorough cleansing of the skin every day is the basis of good skin care. It is difficult to achieve a smooth and beautiful complexion if you do not take care of it. It is important to choose products that do not irritate the skin and eyes.
Daily hand and body care
Should include the application of moisturizing and nourishing products. Hands, especially in the winter season, should be lubricated with an emollient that will moisturize the skin and protect it from the harmful effects of frost and wind.
It is good to use fatty nourishing oils that are applied to slightly damp skin. They not only nourish, but also strengthen. Great for preventing cellulite or stretch marks. Sweet almond or avocado oil soothes the skin. The skin regenerates itself under ideal conditions, when external factors do not interfere with it.