Different Parts of Skin and How to Care for It

As the largest organ in the human body, the skin undergoes a lot of wear and tear. It is exposed to the elements, such as extreme heat and cold, and aggressors, such as dirt, bacteria, and free radicals. The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on your body. This is why facial skin requires special products formulated specifically for the area. Understanding the different parts of skin will help you take care of it better and give it the nourishment it needs. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, the skin is composed of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and subcutaneous fat.

The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin — the layer that you can see. This layer has three major functions: 1) It protects the immune system; 2) It produces melanin, which gives skin its color; and 3) It creates new skin cells that travel from the epidermis’ bottom layer to the surface. 

The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and contains a lot of nerve endings, lymph vessels, blood, dendritic cells, and macrophages. It also holds your sweat glands and sebaceous glands. This is where your hairs are rooted. This layer provides physical strength and flexibility to the skin with collagen and elastic fibers that give structural support to muscles and organs.

The third and bottom layer is subcutaneous fat, a special layer of fat that performs many functions. It serves as the connective tissue between the dermis and your muscles and bones. It helps regulate body temperature and pads our bones and muscles, protecting us from injury.

There are varying reports on how much skin care is absorbed past the epidermis, and even experts at Harvard Health claim that this is unverifiable. Water is a key ingredient in most skincare products because it is easily absorbed by the skin, whereas oils and wax-based products are not. So, when you use skin care, think of it as nourishing and strengthening the skin barrier so that the skin can perform all its functions better, including moisturizing itself with sebum, exfoliating, and healing. The three fundamental ways of keeping your epidermis healthy are:

Double-cleansing is an effective way to rid the skin's surface and pores of oils, products, and debris such as dirt. Double and deep-clean with micellar water.

The first cleanse is usually done with an oil-based cleanser to lift dirt from the skin, such as Eskinol Naturals Micellar Water Clear with Natural Lemon Extracts. For the second cleanse, use Eskinol Natural Micellar Water Facial Wash Clear, which nourishes skin, replenishes moisture content, and leaves it with a mattified effect.

According to Harvard Health, moisturizing is essential because dry skin can be prone to damage and inflammation. Moisturization is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Use POND’S Bright Serum Burst Cream, which moisturizes the skin’s surface while providing deep nourishment with hyaluronic acid that draws more moisture to the skin.

Applying sunscreen helps prevent discoloration from sun damage by harmful UV rays. It also prevents premature skin aging and the breakdown of collagen, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles. It’s not easy to reverse the damage, so prevention is key. Use POND'S UV Bright Sunscreen. Though not a POND'S moisturizer, its non-sticky formula has SPF 50 that protects against sun tan, dark spots, dullness, and uneven skin tone. 

Taking care of the different parts of skin will benefit you in the long run. Try following these steps to achieve healthier skin!