The structure and function of the skin and how you can influence it with skin care

For professional and conscious facial care, it is essential to know the structure and function of your skin. The skin is not only our largest organ (it accounts for about 16% of our body weight, spread out about 1.7 square meters), but it is also extremely complex. In this article, we present the basics of the structure and functions of the skin, as well as the most important information from the point of view of skin care.

Functions of the skin

Although the skin is very thin (e.g. approx. 0.5 mm on the eyelid), it plays a fundamental role in our biology. It has three main functions:

• Regulation : The skin regulates body temperature and stores fat and water.
• Sensation : Cold, heat, pain, itching and irritation are sensed with the nerve endings.
• Protection : The skin protects against pathogens, moisture, UV radiation and physical influences.

Structure and structure of the skin

The skin consists of three main layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.

• Hypodermis : This layer is less important for facial care because cosmetics do not penetrate that deep. The fat tissue here decreases over time, which causes the skin to lose its fullness and firmness.
• Dermis : This is the thickest layer of the skin (2-3 mm) and contains the macromolecules that give the skin fullness and youth, such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Fibroblasts produce these molecules, but production slows down over time. Collagen and elastin cannot be replaced from the outside, so the goal is to stimulate fibroblasts. This can be achieved with retinol or Bakuchiol , vitamin C , Niacinamide and peptides . The dermis also contains sebaceous glands, hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings and capillaries.

Epidermis : The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin that we can see and touch directly. This is the outermost layer, which is 30-40 times thinner than the dermis, but it is still very important for facial care. The epidermis is the main line of defense of our skin, which protects us from various influences from the outside world. This is where anti-aging active ingredients such as retinol work. The epidermis consists of four sublayers, where skin cells that produce keratin are constantly replaced. This skin cell replacement process takes an average of 28 days, but as the years go by, it can increase to 30-40 days at a more mature age. The build-up of dead cells can make the skin appear thicker and duller over time. It is worth mentioning another active ingredient, hyaluronic acid, which also helps this layer retain water. If you regularly clean your face twice a day (morning and evening) , you have already done a lot to support the natural renewal of your skin (removal of dead skin cells) and to strengthen the protective function. In addition, other skin care products work better when applied to a cleansed face. The health of the epidermis also has a great impact on the appearance of the skin. In other words, whether your skin is smooth, fresh, glowing and hydrated largely depends on the condition and care of this layer. Finally, it is also important to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, as harmful sun rays can slow down this skin renewal process, so sun protection should always be the final step in your daytime facial care routine.

Getting to know the layers of the skin helps you understand which ingredient works how and where. Healthy and well-functioning skin is one of the most visible elements of a youthful appearance. During facial care, it is worth using active ingredients targeting different layers of the skin so that your skin can always be in its best shape.

Remember, consistency is key! In three simple steps, you can easily make your skin glow. Cleanse, nourish and protect. Be persistent, as it takes at least 30 days for the skin cell renewal process to take place. After that, again at least 30 days, while your skin adapts to your proper skin care routine and the active ingredients, and at the end of the third cycle, i.e. around the third month, the positive change can already be seen and felt. The result of this simple but effective skin care routine is that after 3-6 months of continuous use, it gives your face a natural and healthy glow, even at an older age. Follow the correct facial care routine and, if necessary, do not hesitate to seek professional advice.