SKIN DEFINITION
It is the largest human organ, with an approximate surface area of 2 m², a thickness of between 0.5 and 4 mm, and a weight that can reach up to 5 kg.
It represents both the boundary and the means of communication between our body and the environment around us.
It is very strong and flexible, performing several functions, such as protecting the body from external aggressions, regulating temperature, and eliminating toxins.
And not only that, it also plays a very important role on a social level.
SKIN FUNCTIONS
It mainly consists of maintaining the body at an optimal temperature, around 37 degrees. This is done by regulating blood flow, through the dilation or constriction of blood vessels, and the evaporation of water, in the form of sweat, through the sweat glands.
In addition to protecting the inside of the body by helping to maintain its structures and regulating exchange with the external environment, it is able to destroy bacteria thanks to its secretions and protect against ultraviolet rays thanks to melanin, a chemical pigment synthesized in the epidermis.
Various types of cells and corpuscles present in the layers of the skin, along with nerve endings, are responsible for the skin sensing touch, pain, cold, and heat.
Our skin is also part of the immune system, therefore it has functions aimed at defending the body from external aggressions. It is responsible for detecting threats, regulating the inflammatory response and the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms, among others.
The only vitamin our body is able to synthesize on its own is Vitamin D, which it does through exposure to UV rays. This vitamin helps the body absorb calcium, contributing to the formation of bones and teeth, preventing chronic diseases, and supporting anti-aging and immune functions.
LAYERS OF THE SKIN
Our skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, the outermost layer, the dermis, and the hypodermis, the deepest layer.
The epidermis is in direct contact with the outside environment, lacks blood supply, and is continuously renewing itself. The cells that make up the epidermis are responsible for the main barrier processes, such as skin regeneration and waterproofing (keratin), skin tone and protection against UV radiation (melanin), etc.
In the dermis, processes of connection between the inside of the body and the epidermis take place, such as the generation of sweat to cool it down or blood supply. In addition, it is in this layer where the levels of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid determine the firmness, elasticity, and hydration of the entire skin.
Finally, we find a subcutaneous layer, known as the hypodermis, which is composed mainly of connective and adipose tissue and has among its main functions the absorption of mechanical impacts, helping to maintain body temperature, energy storage, and support of the dermis. This layer also provides the shape to the human silhouette.
COMPOSITION OF THE SKIN LAYERS
COMPOSITION OF THE EPIDERMIS
The epidermis is covered by an emulsion formed by sweat (sweat glands) and sebum (sebaceous glands) known as the hydrolipidic barrier, which keeps the skin flexible and protects it against fungi and bacteria.
The epidermis is composed of four types of cells. These are responsible for the skin's integrity and impermeability, as well as its barrier function, in addition to providing some of the sensory information we receive through it.
QUERATONCITOS
They represent between 80 and 90% of the cells in the epidermis, and they are responsible for producing the keratin that, together with epidermal lipids, holds the cells together and provides the skin with its waterproof properties. They also protect against the invasion of germs and UV radiation. They originate in the lower layer of the epidermis and move upward through its layers until they shed. They have a life cycle of approximately 28 days.
LANGERHANS CELLS
These cells make up only 3-5% of the epidermis and are responsible for recognizing antigens, substances that trigger antibody production and a possible immune response. Furthermore, Langerhans cells are capable of modulating the skin's reaction to infections and inflammation.
MELANOCYTES
The main function of these cells is the production of melanin, a substance that plays an important role in protecting against solar radiation. They make up 5% of our skin and are responsible for both skin and hair color, as well as for various types of cutaneous hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and hypopigmentation (white spots).
C. DE MERKEL
Merkel cells are in contact with nerve endings, so they may be involved in the perception of mechanical stimuli, such as touch. Less than 0.1% of our skin's composition corresponds to these cells, although they are more abundant in areas of intense perception, such as the finger pulp.
COMPOSITION OF THE DERMIS
The dermis is a more complex layer in terms of composition than the epidermis. It is located immediately beneath the epidermis and, in addition to cells, contains structures and elements that contribute to the performance of its multiple functions.
BLOOD VESSELS
Blood vessels are structures belonging to the circulatory system responsible for carrying the blood pumped by the heart. They are responsible for maintaining the proper functioning of both the dermis and the epidermis by transporting nutrients and oxygen to them, and removing waste from the
HAIR FOLLICLE
It is a cavity that extends from the epidermis to the dermis, reaching the hypodermis in the case of terminal hair (not vellus). Hair growth occurs in it, due to its high concentration of stem cells.
GLANDS
In the epidermis, we find two types of glands: sweat glands and sebaceous glands. The former are responsible for excreting sweat to both eliminate toxins and regulate body temperature. The latter are responsible for secreting oils which, together with sweat, form the skin's hydrolipidic barrier.
PAPILLAE
These are small dermal “protrusions” in the epidermis that contain clusters of blood vessels. They facilitate the passage of nutrients and oxygen to the deeper layers of the epidermis and also determine the formation of fingerprints.
FIBROBLASTS
They are the main cells of the dermis and are responsible for the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, among other substances, and for maintaining the proper composition of the extracellular matrix. Collagen and elastin are structural proteins responsible for giving the skin certain qualities: collagen provides firmness, while elastin provides elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan responsible for maintaining the skin's necessary hydration level.
MEISSNER'S CORPUSCLE
These are receptors that, in addition to detecting touch and pressure stimuli, are capable of indicating to the brain the exact location where the contact was received. They are also found in the epidermis and are concentrated in areas with greater sensitivity.
PACINI CORPUSCLE
They are mechanoreceptors located deep within the dermis. They are capable of providing instantaneous information about vibrations, touch, and pressure.
MERKEL CELL
Composed mainly of nerve endings and Merkel cells. They are receptors that give the skin the ability to perceive texture and pressure. They are concentrated in the fingertips.
RUFFINI CORPUSCLE
These corpuscles are responsible for thermal sensations, cold and heat, and pressure. They are composed of intertwined networks of nerve fibers and are covered by connective tissue.
NOCICEPTORS
Nerve endings found in the dermis and epidermis responsible for transmitting sensations of pain.
SKIN CONDITIONS
Introductory text about skin conditions… It is the largest human organ, with an approximate surface area of 2 m², a thickness of between 0.5 and 4 mm, and a weight that can reach up to 5 kg.
SENSITIVE SKIN
If your skin is sensitive, feels uncomfortable, or shows irritation upon contact with external agents, click here to discover how to treat it to maintain its health.
DEHYDRATED SKIN
Dehydrated skin is different from dry skin, as in this case it is characterized by a temporary lack of water and also occurs in oily skin. Want to know more?
DRY SKIN
Dry skin is characterized by a deficiency in sebum production, thin and brittle skin, etc. If you want to discover how to keep it healthy and beautiful, click here.
OILY / ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Is it difficult to keep your skin shine-free? Do you have trouble controlling acne or blackheads? Find out everything about your skin type and how to treat it here.
MIXED LEATHER
Do you notice shine in the T-zone, but your cheeks tend to get dry? Click here to discover the causes and how to properly care for your skin.
FLACCID SKIN
Have some areas of your face lost firmness? If you feel that your skin is no longer as smooth as it used to be, click here to find out why and how to fix it.
AGED LEATHER
Are you struggling with visible signs of aging? If you no longer want to see those fine lines, visit this page to understand how they form and how to fight them.
SKIN WITH REDNESS
If your skin has unexplained redness or you experience uncomfortable sensations, such as excessive heat, click here to learn how to keep it healthy.
PIGMENTED LEATHER
Are you prone to dark spots? If you're looking for a solution to both prevent and treat existing pigmentation, click here.
DEVEINED LEATHER
Have you noticed that your skin has lost its radiance? Do you notice a grayish and even dull tone on your face? Does your skin feel thinner and more brittle?
Discover much more about this phenomenon!
NORMAL SKIN
Do you want to know how skin normally works? Would you like to know which products are ideal for treating it? Click here and find out everything.

