What is Skin?
Skin is an organ made up of 2 primary layers. They are the dermis and epidermis.
Each of these areas change shape with flattening of epidermis with age, and at times thickening of epidermis with sun exposure.
The epidermis alone has 4-5 layers. The main layers are from Stratum Basale and up to Stratum Corneum which is the skin that you see on the outside.
The dermis has 2 main layers and houses many of the growth factors, blood vessels and hair follicles.
Let's have a closer look.
Get excited about the amazing world of our skin!
The star of the show in the epidermis is the incredible keratinocyte, found right at the interface between the epidermis and dermis.
In the Stratum Basale, we have these baseline cells that are like the superheroes of skin regeneration!
They not only allow other cells to transform and multiply but also propel them into the next layer of skin maturity.
But that’s not all—this vibrant area also houses Merkel cells that help us feel touch, melanocytes that store melanin for that beautiful glow and epidermal growth factors found in cosmeceuticals like exosomes all working together to encourage amazing cell growth!
Lets look at what each layer of the epidermis does?
Stratum Spinosum
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​This is packed with multiple layers of cells, each adorned with spiny attachments that give it a unique texture. You'll find exciting granules filled with cholesterol, fatty acids, and lipids—all essential ingredients that keep your skin beautifully moisturized!
These components not only nourish your cells but also work to protect against unwanted bacteria. How fantastic is that?
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Stratum Granulosum
So we re getting close to the outside layer. The outside layer is like dead cells. But the reason it's moisturised and feels nice is that this layer has granules which contain substances called Natural Moisturising Factor. This attracts the water keeping us well hydrated.
So many cosmeceuticals try and reproduce this NMF, as it reduces with age. This helps the outside layer of the skin stay hydrated.
Stratum Corneum
Get ready to discover the incredible glove that protects our body! This fascinating layer, often playfully called the "Horny" layer, is made up of multiple layers, showcasing the amazing journey of our skin cells as they mature and become beautifully resilient.
Cosmeceuticals have been on a mission to capture the essence of this layer at its peak! Packed with luxurious moisturizing ingredients like cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids, it a treasure trove of nourishment.
What's truly amazing is that our body masterfully produces these three components in a perfect balance. To keep our skin glowing and vibrant, the ultimate moisturizer would be one that mirrors this remarkable composition!
