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Skin Layers  

Skin Anatomy

SKIN LAYERS:

If you want a better understanding of how the skin functions, it's best to first have an understanding of the 3 layers of skin which are the:

• epidermis 

• dermis

• subcutaneous tissue

THE SKIN'S FUNCTIONS:

Most of us know that the skin contains many specialized cells and structures and that it functions as a protection or barrier that interfaces with the environment, which can sometimes be hostile. 

It is also has a part in maintaining the proper temperature for the body to function well. It gathers sensory information from the environment, and plays an active role in the immune system protecting us from disease. 

With a general idea of what the skin does, we'll get back to the 3 layers of the skin. 

1. EPIDERMIS
The epidermis is the outer layer of skin. The thickness of the epidermis varies in different types of skin. It is the thinnest on the eyelids at .05 mm and the thickest on the palms and soles at 1.5 mm.

The epidermis contains 5 layers. From bottom to top the skin layers are named:

    * stratum basale
    * stratum spinosum
    * stratum granulosum
    * stratum licidum
    * stratum corneum

The bottom layer, the stratum basale, has cells shaped like columns. In this layer the cells divide and push already formed cells into higher layers (mid-layers).  As the cells move into the higher layers, they flatten and eventually die.

The top layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is made of dead, flat skin cells that shed about every 2 weeks.   

SPECIALIZED EPIDERMAL CELLS
There are three types of specialized cells in the epidermis.

• The melanocyte produces pigment (melanin)

• The Langerhans' cell is the frontline defense of the immune system in the skin

• The Merkel's cell's function is not clearly known

2. DERMIS
The thickness of the dermis varies in thickness as well, depending on the location of the skin. It is .3 mm on the eyelid and 3.0 mm on the back. It is composed of three types of tissue that are present throughout, but not in layers. 

The types of tissue are:

    * collagen
    * elastic tissue
    * reticular fibers

LAYERS OF THE DERMIS
The two layers of the dermis are called the papillary and reticular layers.

    * The upper, papillary layer, contains a thin arrangement of collagen fibers.
    * The lower, reticular layer, is thicker and made of thick collagen fibers that are arranged parallel to the
surface of the skin.

SPECIALIZED DERMAL CELLS
The dermis is an intricate system, containing many specialized cells and structures.

    * This is where the hair follicles are situated with the erector pili muscle that attaches to each follicle.
    * Sebaceous (oil) glands and apocrine (scent) glands are associated with the follicle.
    * This layer also contains eccrine (sweat) glands, but they are not associated with hair follicles.
    * Blood vessels and nerves course through this layer. The nerves transmit sensations of pain, itch, and temperature.
    * There are also specialized nerve cells called Meissner's and Vater-Pacini corpuscles that transmit the sensations of touch and pressure.

3.  SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE
The subcutaneous tissue is a layer of fat and connective tissue that houses larger blood vessels and nerves.  It is an important layer that helps with the regulation of the skin and body temperature. The size of this layer varies throughout the body and is unique for each person.

The subcutaneous layer, also known as the hypodermis, is not actually skin, but it attaches the skin to everything beneath. It also contains a layer of fat. Some of us have more fat than others, but this layer is always present in some form. 

The blood vessels in the subcutaneous layer feed and drain the capillaries of the dermis.  And it is the loss of the subcutaneous tissue, most often occuring with age, that leads to facial sagging and wrinkling.  

Prevent, reduce, or reverse facial skin sagging by washing your face correctly.  Begin as soon as you can.  However, if you're already older, use face exercises mixed with a new skin care regime which includes washing your face correctly.  You'll see an improvement in a few weeks or sooner. 

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