How Does Your Skin Work: Function & Structure [ Quick Guide ]

Have you ever wondered how cosmetic skincare products work? How do they interact with our skin to improve its condition?

Well, to answer that question you have to understand how the skin works, what is its structure and function, and what are the various “layers” of it.

It’s surprising that the biggest body organ (the skin) is so complex and difficult to figure out. But this article will feed you only the most important information to understand, comprehend and remember.

So that you know yourself better, staring with the skin!

Let’s begin!

Skin structure

The skin is made up of three different layers:

1. Hypodermis: the deepest layer of the skin, where the nerves and blood vessels are.
2. Dermis: the middle skin layer, which acts as a cushion to our body to protect it. This is the place where collagen and elastin are being produced and where the sebaceous glands are situated.

Collagen and elastin: those are proteins, which are vital to the skin’s health and beauty. They work together and form compounds, which keep the skin’s elasticity and strength, thus, prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and signs of premature aging. As we age, the collagen and elastin compounds break and the aging signs become visible.

3. Epidermis: the outer skin layer. It is the visible part of the skin, which is created by lipids. They protect you from external factors and prevent water loss, as they keep the skin hydrated, nourished, strong and soft. This layer of skin is always regenerating itself. In other words, the process of creating new skin cells to replace dead skin cells is continuous. This way, the skin is naturally exfoliated and keeps itself fresh and healthy-looking. (The different cosmetic products aim to stimulate the new cells production and the natural exfoliation).

Functions of the skin

• Protects you from water loss, harmful bacteria, germs, and microorganisms.
• Regulates the body temperature by keeping heat in, or releasing it out of the body.
• Acts as a sensor for temperature and physical contact.
• Let’s the body get rid of its unnecessary products (in the form of sweat or sebum).
• Produces vitamin D and melanin.

Why do we have skin problems?

The short answer is “because of free radical damage.”

When those factors interact with our skin cells, they damage them and leave them unstable. This leads to weaker lipid barrier, and the skin can be easily affected by bacteria and germs. That is the moment when the skin issues begin.

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