Your skin

Is the largest organ on our body, made up of several different parts, including water, protein, lipids (fats), and different minerals and chemicals. Throughout your life, your skin will change, for better or worse. In fact, your skin regenerates itself approximately every 27 days. It’s very important to treat your skin properly to maintain the health and vitality of this crucial organ.

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What your skin demands every day.

​During the hustle and bustle of your daily routines, it’s easy to skip that glass of water or to skip cleaning. Over time, though, those bad habits can take a toll on your skin. Each day, you should be sure to provide your skin with:

• Plenty of water...water is the key for healthy skin and the inside !
  
• Thorough cleansing, twice a day. At night, make sure you remove all your make-up and cleanse properly before going to bed.
• Balanced nutrition
• Moisturizing. This is a necessary step even for those who have oily skin. There are plenty of moisturizers on the market that are oil-free.
• Sun protection ! It is absolutely crucial to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB light rays. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is recommended every day. This will help prevent sun damage, skin cancers, and wrinkles.
• Over the course of your life, you should pay attention to all parts of your skin. Familiarize yourself with it so that you’ll notice any changes that might occur, such as different moles or patches that might need further attention.

The structure of the skin

The skin's proteins

Skin has three layers:

• The epidermis, (The visible skin)  the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone. The Epidermis has different types of cells : Keratinocytes, Melanocytes & Langerhans cells.
  
• Basal cell layer - At the junction between the epidermis and the dermis lies the basal cell layer, which is where new skin cells are born.
  
• The dermis, (The skin's scaffolding) beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The dermis is the layer that gives your skin its fullness and plumpness. Age and the sun can damage the dermis and lead to wrinkles. Here, you’ll find collagen and elastin, two proteins necessary for skin health because they offer support and elasticity (your skin’s ability to go back to its original state after being stretched). Fibroblasts are the cells you’ll find in this layer, because they synthesize collagen and elastin. This layer also contains pain and touch receptors.
• The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis, the insulation) is made of fat and connective tissue. Reduction of tissue in this layer contributes to sagging skin.

The skin’s color is created by special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. Melanocytes are located in the epidermis

• Collagen: Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the skin, making up 75-80 percent of your skin. Collagen and elastin are responsible for warding off wrinkles and fine lines. Over time, the environment and aging reduce your body’s ability to produce collagen.
• Elastin: Think elastic. Elastin is found with collagen in the dermis. It’s another protein, responsible for giving structure to your skin and organs. As with collagen, elastin is affected by time and the elements. Lower levels of this protein cause your skin to wrinkle and sag.
• Keratin: Keratin is the main protein in your skin, and makes up hair, nails, and the surface layer of the skin. Keratin is what forms the rigidity of your skin and helps with the barrier protection that your skin offers.

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​references : my.clevelandclinic.org/health/healthy
webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-skin