The Structure Of Your Skin - How To Care For It

In medical literature, the skin is often referred to as the integument, derived from the Latin word meaning "envelope" or "covering." This highlights its vital role as our body's first line of defence against external aggressors such as pollution, UV rays, and chemicals. The skin’s protective functions can also be compromised by stress, smoking, or an unbalanced diet. With our modern lifestyles, it is nearly impossible to be completely shielded from these factors, making the skin the first organ to show signs of ageing.

Understanding the structure of your skin allows you to better protect and care for it. By the end of this article, your skin will no longer be a mystery—you will gain insight into how it functions and regenerates, and how to maintain its youthful, smooth, and radiant appearance.

Skin Structure: Three Protective Layers Working Together

The skin is more than just a covering—it is a crucial organ that protects us while facilitating interaction with our environment. It defines part of our identity and serves as a marker of time. The three layers that make up the skin each have distinct yet complementary functions.

The Structure of the Skin: A Closer Look

Epidermis

The epidermis is the outermost layer, acting as the first shield against environmental aggressors. It primarily consists of keratinocytes, tightly packed cells that produce keratin. The epidermis renews itself completely each month. Keratinocytes migrate to the skin’s surface, transforming into corneocytes, which form a tough, impermeable layer known as the stratum corneum. Though corneocytes are dead cells, they remain bound together by a lipid-based cement. To nourish this lipidic cement, moisturising creams often contain fatty compounds. Melanocytes, which synthesise melanin, also reside in the epidermis. They determine skin tone and respond to UV exposure by triggering the tanning process.

Additionally, the epidermis contains Langerhans cells and Merkel cells. Langerhans cells are part of the immune system, detecting and neutralising foreign bodies. Merkel cells, which contain nerve endings, are crucial for the sense of touch, helping to perceive shapes and textures.

Dermis

Among the three layers, the dermis is the most complex and metabolically active.

It is interwoven with numerous blood and lymphatic vessels that provide nutrients and transport immune cells in response to threats.

The dermis contains fibroblasts, which are immersed in a gel-like matrix and secrete four essential macromolecules:

• Collagen for structural strength

• Elastin for skin elasticity

• Hyaluronic acid to retain moisture

• Proteoglycans for cell communication and adhesion

These macromolecules form a three-dimensional network that protects underlying organs.

The dermis also houses:

• Hair follicles, responsible for hair growth

• Sebaceous glands, which produce sebum—a mix of fatty substances that, combined with sweat, form the protective hydrolipidic film

• Sweat glands, essential for thermoregulation

• Nerve endings sensitive to temperature and pain

Hypodermis

The deepest layer of the skin, the hypodermis, consists of adipocytes (fat cells) that vary in size depending on fat storage. This layer serves as an energy reserve and acts as a natural insulator against the cold.

How Skin Structure Deteriorates with Age—and How to Support It

The skin is a multifunctional organ vital to life, but it is not immune to ageing. The structural decline of the skin varies across its layers and has different causes.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles result from structural changes across all skin layers:

• The lower epidermis becomes thinner and more vulnerable, while dead cells accumulate on the surface, thickening the outermost layer.

• Dermal fibroblasts produce less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, reducing firmness and elasticity.

• The hypodermal fat layer decreases, leading to skin sagging.

• Facial muscle movements exacerbate these changes, forming expression lines.

To help prevent and reduce wrinkles, skincare routines often incorporate ingredients that support collagen production, hydration, and skin renewal.

Loss of Firmness

Lack of firmness manifests as sagging skin and volume loss, visible in deepening dark circles, sunken cheekbones, and less defined contours. This occurs due to the breakdown of the dermal support structure and the loss or displacement of subcutaneous fat. The fat layer, which normally supports the skin, diminishes or shifts, causing the skin to droop. Using skincare products that help boost collagen and elastin production, alongside facial exercises, can support skin firmness over time.

Dehydration

Dehydrated skin lacks moisture and struggles to retain it. Symptoms include tightness, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. This is mainly due to a weakened epidermal barrier and a decline in natural hyaluronic acid production. Hydrating skincare products, including those enriched with hyaluronic acid, can help maintain moisture levels and improve skin texture.

Dry Skin

External aggressors and ageing impair the skin’s barrier function. Sebum production declines, weakening the epidermal lipidic cement and making the skin less protective.

For extremely dry, flaky, or rough skin, products with lipid-replenishing ingredients can help restore nourishment and hydration.

Dull Complexion

Skin radiance depends on its ability to reflect light. With age, microcirculation slows, reducing nutrient and oxygen supply. Cell turnover decreases, leading to dead cell buildup, thickening the stratum corneum and dulling the complexion. Exfoliation techniques, such as scrubs or mild chemical peels, help remove dead cells and promote skin renewal. Replenishing treatments can also restore radiance and vitality.

Pigmentation Issues

Melanocytes regulate skin pigmentation. Factors like prolonged sun exposure, hormonal changes, pollution, and ageing can disrupt their function, leading to hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Using products with brightening agents, combined with sun protection, can help reduce pigmentation and promote an even complexion.

Supporting Your Skin at Every Stage

For healthy, vibrant skin, it is essential to maintain a routine that includes hydration, nourishment, protection from environmental stressors, and ingredients that support collagen and elastin production. Understanding the structure of your skin allows you to make informed choices and adapt your skincare practices to your skin’s evolving needs.