Article Categories

»	Arts & Entertainment
»	Automotive
»	Business
»	Careers & Jobs
»	Education & Reference
»	Finance
»	Food & Drink
»	Health & Fitness
»	Home & Family
»	Internet & Online Businesses
»	Miscellaneous
»	Self Improvement
»	Shopping
»	Society & News
»	Sports & Recreation
»	Technology
»	Travel & Leisure
»	Writing & Speaking

Reprint Article Code

Category: Articles » Health & Fitness » Anti-Aging » Article » Article Code

What Is Skin and How Does it Work?

Believe it or not our skin is our body's largest organ which covers every single surface of the body. It is possible for every woman to have perfect skin regardless of age, race or colouring, as long as she knows how it functions and how to look after it. The skin is made up of two main layers; these are called the epidermis and the dermis… The Epidermis… This is the top layer of skin which you can see. Its' function is to protect the body from infection and seal in moisture. It is built up of ... read more

Article Title:

Article Body:

The skin is made up of two main layers; these are called the epidermis and the dermis…

The Epidermis…

This is the top layer of skin which you can see. Its' function is to protect the body from infection and seal in moisture. It is built up of several layers of living cells which are then topped up by sheets of dead cells. The skin is constantly growing and producing new cells at the base. The dead cells eventually flake away, thus meaning that every time a new layer of skin forms, this is the chance to have a soft, glowing complexion.

The lower levels of skin cells are fed by the blood supply from underneath, whereas the upper dead cells require only water to ensure they are kept plump and smooth. The epidermis is responsible for your colouring as it holds the skins' pigment. The thickness of your skin varies, and is much thinner around the eye area.

The Dermis…

The dermis is the layer which lies underneath the epidermis, and is composed of living cells only. It consists of bundles of tough fibres which give elasticity, firmness and strength. There are also blood vessels which feed vital nutrients to these areas.

Unlike the epidermis which can repair itself, the dermis, if injured will be permanently damaged.

The dermis contains two specialised organs, firstly…

Sebaceous Glands which are tiny organs that opens into hair follicles on the surface of your skin. They produce your skins natural lubricant, an oily secretion called sebum. These glands are mostly concentrated on your scalp and face, particularly around the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. This explains why these areas are oilier than others.

Sweat Glands are found all over your body and they help to regulate your body's temperature The temperature of your skin drops as the sweat evaporates on the skins' surface..

So what are the main functions of your skin?

1)	It acts as a thermostat, retaining heat or cooling you down with sweat.
 
2)	It acts as a waste disposal. Certain waste is expelled from your body during the day through your skin.
 
3)	It provides you with a sense of touch which in turn helps you communicate with the outside world.
 
4)	It offers protection from potentially harmful things.

Skin Facts…

1)	Your skin can cleanse, heal and renew itself. The effectiveness of this depends on how well you look after your skin.
 
2)	Skin is a barometer of your emotions. When you are embarrassed it becomes red (blushing) and equally shows signs of stress.
 
3)	The condition of your skin is an overall sign of your health. The skin shows signs of poor diet, lack of sleep and stress.
 
4)	Smoking and alcohol consumption cause premature ageing of the skin (wrinkles).

Author Heidi McGowan 
 
http://www.aleksan.co.uk
 
Natural & Alternative Living

Author Bio:

Some other recently published anti-aging articles

How To Slow Aging With This Simple Antiaging Solution by Dean Caporella
Exactly what is an antiaging solution? Is it the eternal fountain of youth we have heard so much about but to this day still remains a myth or is it simply an antiaging routine we can ...

Undoing the Lines of Old Age by Ismael D. Tabije
As we advance in years certain lines appear on the face and neck, which we associate with age. But these marks of physical deterioration are more often due to neglect than to years. Some women, for instance ...

Tensing Exercises for Minor Muscles by Ismael D. Tabije
There are many deep-seated minor muscles that are not called into activity by special exercises. By this inactivity, the capillaries and the microscopic veins ...

Neck Pain? Flabby Neck Muscles? Great Exercises for Neck Muscles by Ismael D. Tabije
The two muscles attached to the base of the skull descending to the shoulders are the main support of the neck. They also form the back of the neck. The sides ...

How to Get Rid of a Double Chin and Tighten Sagging Face Muscles by Ismael D. Tabije
Got a double chin? Sagging cheeks? Here are unique double chin exercises and exercises for face muscles. C. A. Sampson, an athlete and the author of "Strength," discovered that the pressure ...

Restore a Youthful Face in 6 Easy Steps: The Natural Way by Ismael D. Tabije
Rejuvenation of the face and throat is principally dependent on your success in developing the muscles underneath, and should support the skin and other covering tissue. If the supporting muscles are weak, loose and shrunken, a ...

Publisher Guidelines

You may reprint this article electronically in your newsletter or on your website, free of charge.

If you reprint this article from our site, then you must keep everything intact. This includes the articles title, author name, articles body, authors bio / resource box, the links contained within the article, all copyright notices and the link pointing back to our site. All links within the article must also be made active / hyperlinks.