What’s the deal with your skin?

We love talking about beauty and sharing our skincare tips, but today we thought of going back to basics. In this article we’re going to explore more deeply how your skin actually works. So let’s dive in.

The composition

Only a few millimeters thick, the skin is composed of layers with slightly different structures: the hypodermis, the dermis, and the epidermis. While the dermis is rich in collagen and elastin - ensuring skin flexibility and elasticity, the epidermis, the outermost layer in contact with the outside environment, has a completely different configuration. It is rich in cells called keratinocytes which are able to divide, move upwards and differentiate from the basal layer of the epidermis to the stratum corneum, the uppermost layer.

With its acidic pH, the stratum corneum structure is made of a shelf of corneocytes (or differentiated keratinocytes) that are locked together with an intercellular lipid glue. The interesting structure of the stratum corneum is vital for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier, and ultimately a youthful appearance.

The skin’s function

The skin’s primary role is to act as a permeable barrier by regulating water content and retaining moisture when necessary. Since the stratum corneum responds to allergens, microbes, and other climatic changes, another important function of the skin is to form an antimicrobial barrier to ultimately prevent cutaneous infections. The skin also fights against the damaging effects of the UV rays by alleviating exogenous oxidants that can damage components of skin via an innate antioxidant system.

Having said that, it does not mean that you can skip the sunscreen when your skin is exposed to the sun. Moreover, the skin also maintains the body’s temperature through regulating the transpiration process. And finally, the skin is a great sensorial tool that allows us to feel pain, external sensations or temperature differences. This is why I propose you Annacare's sunscreen with 30 SPF!

The must-know’s

The skin is a complex organ that plays multiple roles from protection to thermoregulation. It takes approximately 4 weeks for a complete cell turnover i.e. for the cell surface to be completely renewed. The skin is able to detect the very small changes in its own hydration level and is generally equipped to adapt physiologically. In addition, supporting your skin’s self-repair ability and natural balance with a good moisturiser combined with a gentle skincare routine will ensure a happy skin and help prevent disorders.

With love,
Anne-Louise