October 30, 2024

Abram Tran

12th Grade

Westminster High School

Importance of Our Skin

Skincare is more than just a cosmetic routine, it is a science rooted in the biological processes that keep our skin healthy. The skin is the largest organ in the body, with the average adult carrying eight pounds (3.6 kilograms) and an impressive 22 square feet (two square meters) of it. With it being so large, this fleshy covering plays a huge role in our survival, doing jobs such as protecting us from external factors, regulating body temperature, and even communicating with our environment. To truly care for our skin, it is essential to understand the anatomy of it.

Functions: The epidermis is your first line of defense against pathogens and the environment. It also replaces about 40,000 older cells that your body sheds a day, which is enough to have a new set of skin every month effectively. This is also the layer that contains melanin, which can give your skin a certain color to it.

The Dermis

Composition: The dermis is the middle layer of skin directly underneath the epidermis, and is a thick layer making up to 90% of the skin thickness. It is made up of collagen proteins which provide this layer with strength and elastin fiber which provides the skin flexibility. Hair follicles, blood vessels, nerve cells, and other glands are within this layer.

Functions: As the dermis contains several areas such as the blood vessels, nervous system, and several glands, it has a multitude of responsibilities. Sebaceous glands which are located in the dermis secrete a lubricant called sebum. This in effect keeps the epidermis moist. Sweat glands are also located in this layer, helping the body get rid of excess heat. It is also responsible for sensations such as touch as it connects to the nervous system.

Pores
Composition: Pores are small openings on the skin surfaces that can be between 0.02 to 0.08 millimeters in size. They facilitate the removal of oil, sweat, and toxins to exit the skin and are where hair follicles are located. They are also the main source of skin issues for people.

Function: Pores play a significant role in the skin's overall health and function. They serve as the pathways for skin oil(sebum) and sweat to reach the surface of the skin. To release these substances, pores can change their size to release more or less, though they can also a size change can also occur due to pathways becoming obstructed. 

Moisturizing

A key component of healthy-looking skin is moisturizing. Other than for just aesthetic reasons, having properly moisturized skin is incredibly beneficial for skin health, as keeping the skin hydrated strengthens the natural barrier and balances the skin's oil production. The skin loses moisture in a process called TEWL or Transepidermal Water Loss, where water from the dermis is constantly sent into the epidermis but is then lost due to external factors. 

Cleaning and Exfoliating

Pores on the skin surface tend to get clogged due to a build-up of dirt, dead skin cells, bacteria, and other gunk. This can cause imperfections such as pimples, blackheads, and in severe cases acne to form on the skin surface. A solution to this would be to clean the skin. Cleaning the skin helps get rid of dirt and larger debris on your face helping the pores have more space and can reduce their overall size. 

UV Protection

Although sunlight is completely healthy for you with it being a major source of vitamin D, large amounts of exposure to it can be damaging to your skin. High exposure to sunlight leaves you exposed to UV (Ultraviolet) A and B radiation. These radiations can age your skin more rapidly by disrupting the DNA within the skin cells, causing it to appear wrinkly or cause damage such as sunburns. UV exposure also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are unstable molecules that can damage cellular components. In extreme scenarios, prolonged exposure can lead to skin cancer developing. Sunscreens are a solution to this issue, as they work by blocking a certain percentage of UV radiation from passing through to your skin based on their Sun Protective Factor (SPF). It is important to remember that sunscreen will need to be reapplied every so often, typically two hours. 

Nutrition and Sleep

Conclusion

If you want to achieve perfect skin, it is important to remember that what appears on the outside relies on what is happening on the inside. Understanding the biological processes behind healthy skin and the external factors that can affect skin health can help us stay better informed on our choices for skin care. By considering the factors of how moisturization works, sun damage, hygiene, and how our diet and sleep affect our skin, we can help maintain healthier skin for years to come.