UNDERSTANDING YOUR SKIN

Believe it or not your skin is the largest organ of your body. It is a living

organ which heals and renews itself constantly. It covers your entire

body and consists of two clearly defined layers:

1. The epidermis is the superficial or outermost layer. In other

words, this is the skin we can see and feel. It forms the

protective covering. This layer contains no blood vessels but

has small nerve endings and is made up of five layers of cells.

The pigment called melanin is found in this layer. Melanin

protects the sensitive cells beneath, from the harmful effects of

the sun. The greater the exposure to sunlight the greater the

production of melanin.

2. The dermis or the inner layer is located just under the

epidermis. This layer is highly sensitive because it contains

nerve endings. It also contains numerous blood vessels, lymph

vessels, sweat glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

These are held together by collagen and elastin fibers, which

together give the skin its strength and resilience.

Each hair follicle has a sebaceous gland, which produces sebum. Excess

sebum makes your skin look and feel oily. If the neck of a sebaceous

gland is clogged, sebum accumulates, giving rise to acne. A deficiency in

the production of sebum produces dry skin.

Your teenage years could be your best time or your worst time

depending on your hormonal activity. Generally, puberty is a bad time for

your skin.

If you are spared the onslaught of acne and pimples usually associated

with the teenage years, then more than likely your 20’s and 30’s should

be trouble free.

During your 20’s your skin should look its best. It can however be

adversely affected by allergies, hormonal imbalances, stress, and

exposure to the elements.

In your 30’s your skin may begin to lose the bloom of youth. You may

begin to see the appearance of dryness and fine lines. The skin tends to

be more sensitive and extra special care is required during this period.

In your 40’s your hormone production slows and the skin begins to lose

tone and elasticity, giving rise to wrinkles, creases and fine lines.

While these changes occur naturally as you age, they can be minimized

and controlled by properly caring for your skin. Cleansing, toning and

moisturizing your skin twice daily can help you rejuvenate and revive

your skin.

Now that you have a better understanding of your skin and how it works,

I am sure you will appreciate that the time to begin your personal skin

care routine is NOW!

Kamla Regrello

Head

Sacha CosmeticsMakeup Artist