Getting To Know Your Skin: The 3 Layers Of The Skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ and serves as a protective barrier against heat, light and infection. It is adapted to suit different areas of the body, increasing in thickness to cushion the feet and containing many more hair follicles on the scalp to retain heat from the head, yet its basic composition remains the same. The 3 layers of the skin – the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis – contain different types of cells and proteins that each play a specific structural or functional role in the skin’s anatomy.
The 3 Layers Of The Skin
- Epidermis
The epidermis is the thinnest of the 3 layers of the skin and is the part that we can see and touch. It comprises 3 types of cell – squamous cells, which create the skin barrier and are continuously shed and replaced; basal cells, which produce new skin cells; and melanocytes, which create melanin, the pigment responsible for giving the skin and hair its colour.
- Dermis
Blood vessels, sweat glands, hair follicles, fibroblasts, nerves and sebaceous glands are all found within the dermis. A protein called collagen acts as a supporting structure, helping to hold all of these components in place. Containing so many important elements, the dermal layer is the thickest of the 3 layers of the skin.
- Hypodermis
Also known as the subcutaneous fat layer, the hypodermis is the deepest of the 3 layers of the skin, consisting of a network of collagen and fat cells. This layer is responsible for conserving the body’s heat energy and protecting the body from injury. It can be thought of as a shock absorber.
How To Care For The 3 Layers Of The Skin
When problems with the skin arise, it may be due to a change in a single element or a combination of issues spanning the 3 layers of the skin. For example, depleting collagen levels cause signs of ageing, whereas a lack of exfoliation can cause a buildup of squamous cells, clogging hair follicles and causing breakouts. Adhering to a daily skincare routine helps to minimise skin concerns, however, you may wish to speak to an expert when this is not enough.
Richard Peppiatt, the founder of RP Aesthetics, is highly experienced in analysing the skin, identifying the cause of specific concerns and determining the best course of action. Common issues that Richard treats include ageing skin, hyperpigmentation and acne.
Ageing Skin
As we age, our collagen levels deplete, which causes structural changes within the 3 layers of the skin. As the hypodermis and dermis experience a loss of firmness, this becomes visible in the epidermis when the skin begins to sag and wrinkles develop. During a skincare consultation, Richard is able to accurately identify specific areas of the skin that would benefit from treatments such as Anti-wrinkle Injections or Dermal Fillers. These non-surgical procedures give stunning anti-ageing results at affordable prices.
Hyperpigmentation
When the melanocytes found in the epidermis become overactive, they produce an excess of melanin. This can cause a condition known as hyperpigmentation whereby patches of skin become darker in colour. Pigmentation issues can be treated with the Obagi® Blue Peel at RP Aesthetics. This one-of-a-kind Chemical Peel uses slowly penetrating trichloroacetic acid as its primary ingredient to rid the skin of patches of darker pigment.
Acne
Acne is a complex skin condition that is most often caused by overactive sebaceous glands producing too much oil. Oily skin can trap dead skin cells and block the pores, causing blackheads and breakouts. Richard Peppiatt is the lead ambassador for Obagi®, a skincare brand with a wide range of products that not only reduce acne, but prevent its symptoms too.
Obagi® has a dedicated research and development department whose role it is to find the most effective ingredients to fight common skincare concerns. Their CLENZIderm M.D.® System uses salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to help control acne for a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.
Book Your Appointment At RP Aesthetics
Improving your understanding of the anatomy of the skin helps you to make informed decisions about your skincare. If you believe that your skin would benefit from more than over-the-counter products, book a consultation at RP Aesthetics today. Call 0191 281 8775 or complete our online form to schedule your appointment.