[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
As your body’s first line of defence against the environment, the skin is intricately designed to keep your internal organs safe and healthy. The skin is made up of 3 layers; the upper defensive epidermal layer, the middle collagen filled dermis and the bottom cushioning subcutaneous layer.
The skin is the body’s largest organ and as we age it begins to break down. As the years go by and sun damage persists, the collagen and elastin in the dermis are weakened. This leaves skin less firm and elastic. The skin cell renewal process also slows down, which leads to a thinning of the epidermal layer with less protection against the environment. This also allows more water to escape, so aged skin is often less hydrated.
An anti-ageing skincare routine is so important if you want to look 30 when you’re 40 (don’t we all!). But it isn’t just about trying to turn back the clock. It is also simply about having your healthiest skin; glowing and radiant. That’s why we put anti-ageing actives in all of our solutions, so you never have to compromise.
Unfortunately, sun damage is the ultimate cause of premature ageing – it is responsible for up to 80% of the signs of ageing we see on the face. The sun’s rays generate free radicals that weaken collagen in the dermis, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Wear an SPF 30 sunscreen like LA Skincare Whipped Cream every day to protect your delicate skin cells from damaging UV rays. Essential in stimulating collagen production, add vitamin C to your morning routine and vitamin A to your evening routine. Vitamin A is also able to speed up cellular renewal, leading to healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
But what is skin and how does it work? Let’s look at the full structure:
The Skins Structure
Let’s start with the lowest layer, where you can find the subcutaneous tissue. Used mainly to store fat, it contains larger blood vessels which can provide nutrients to the skin.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2185″ img_size=”full”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Let’s start with the lowest layer, where you can find the subcutaneous tissue. Used mainly to store fat, it contains larger blood vessels which can provide nutrients to the skin.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2191″ img_size=”full”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The dermis is the second layer up. Here resides strings of collagen and elastin surrounded by a matrix of molecules. This is the part of the skin that detects touch and heat, in addition to housing the roots of hair follicles and sweat glands. Blood vessels run through the dermis which provide essential nutrients and nourishment to the epidermal skin cells.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2195″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2196″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The epidermis is the upper layer of the skin. It is further split into 5 different layers, each with its own unique characteristics and functions. Skin cells are formed in the lowest layers called the stratum basal. Here the cells can rapidly replicate themselves as they still possess a nucleus which stores DNA. Melanocytes, the cells that create melanin to give colour to the complexion, are also found in this layer. The skin cells in the stratum basal move up through the epidermal layers towards the surface, going through subtle changes at each stage. In the upper layers the cells lose their nucleus and become flat, dead skin cells called keratinocytes. These continuously flake off to reveal newer, fresher cells beneath. This is what we need to shed through exfoliation, using a scrub throughout the week such as LA Skincare’s Sweetie Sugar or for a deeper exfoliation try an enzyme peel, which feeds your skin cells too (Chocolate Delight Enzyme Peel)[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”2200″ img_size=”full”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The stratum corneum is the top layer of the epidermis, made up entirely of dead skin cells in brick-like layers. Between the skin cells there is a sea of lipids (oil-soluble molecules) acting as mortar. The lipids are made up of ceramides, cholesterols and fatty acids. This structure provides an impermeable barrier against the environment, protecting the skin from pathogens and blocking the loss of water molecules. The pH of the skin is around 4.5-5.5; slightly acidic due to a layer of sebum which hinders alkaline-loving pathogens.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
Need more help? Arrange a free skin care consultation
Sometimes expert skin advice is needed which is why we offer free skin phone consultations to help point you in the right direction with no purchase necessary. One of our skin care experts will talk to you about the skin challenges you are facing and advise on the best way to solve them. To arrange a free consultation simply message info@laskincare.co.uk today.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]