If I’m honest, all I want is flawless skin that effortlessly glows and never breaks out. Is that too much to ask? But when it comes to skin care, there is so much emphasis on the surface. For obvious reasons, of course: this is the layer that we face the day with, daily. And yet, that effortless glow that I (we?) all long for is really only achievable when we look deeper, beneath the surface. So let’s look beneath that surface, shall we?
First, we’ll need to understand a little epidermal anatomy. Or, put simply, skin science. The following is an explanation of the skin’s three layers: what each is & does, what skin issues can be found there, and how these issues can be helped. Class is in session!
Epidermis:
What is it?
Your epidermis is the top (outermost) layer of the skin that we see. Proteins, like keratin, make up this layer. The epidermis’s primary job is to act as a barrier against the elements. It protects the body from bacteria, germs, weather, and more. The epidermis also contains melanin, which gives the skin its color. Plus, it’s consistently renewing itself to make new cells & shed the old, meaning you have a brand new epidermis about once a month!
Common skin issues here?
These are the pesky disturbances that most quickly come & go. The common issues in this skin layer are element-related:
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Blackheads: The skin is exposed to pore-clogging elements like dirt, pollution, bacteria, and more.
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Hyperpigmentation: UV radiation causes an increase in melanin production, leading to discoloration and skin damage.
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Rough patches: Weather changes, wind, and other irritations can dry out the skin, creating patchiness, itchiness, etc.
Solutions?
We recommend:
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Double cleansing: Sometimes, the simplest answer is the right one. A balm & foam double cleanse, for instance, ensures a fresh, clean face free of stressors.
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Gentle exfoliation (AHA & physical exfoliants): Gently removes rough patches and clogged pores from the skin’s surface.
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Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps with hyperpigmentation and discoloration in the skin.
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Hydration: It’is self-explanatory! The skin soaks up hydration when it’s been fighting dryness in harsh conditions.
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SPF: Preventatively protects the skin from damage (specifically excessive melanin production and hyperpigmentation in the epidermis).
Dermis:
What is it?
The dermis, or middle layer, is 90% of the skin’s thickness. It contains collagen and elastin, which keep the skin strong, resilient, and flexible. It also contains the oil glands that make the skin smooth and maintain its oil-to-water balance. Sweat glands are also found in the dermis. Most importantly, nerve receptors are found in the dermis, and blood vessels in this layer provide nutrients to the epidermis.
Common skin issues here?
In this layer, we start to see signs of wear & tear:
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Fine lines & tired skin: Collagen production slows as we age, so this layer is where fine lines and tired skin start to show.
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Acne, clogged pores, & whiteheads: Imbalanced or overactive oil & sweat glands in the dermis can clog pores & lead to breakouts & cystic acne.
Solutions?
We recommend:
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BHA (Chemical Exfoliation): Being oil-soluble, BHA can penetrate deep into the pores to reach the dermis & assist with clogged glands in this layer.
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Retinol: Retinol helps promote collagen & elastin synthesis in the dermis so it can maintain its strength & elasticity.
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Collagen: Formulas with collagen provide additional needed support to strengthen the dermis, especially as the skin ages & naturally-occurring collagen production slows.
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SPF: UV rays can damage collagen, leading to lost elasticity and weakened skin. SPF protects the dermis from this damage!
Hypodermis:
What is it?
The hypodermis aka subcutaneous tissue is the deepest, fatty layer of the skin. Its job is to connect the skin with the rest of the body. It has connective tissue that connects skin to muscles & bones, and the nerves and blood vessels from the dermis get larger in this layer to help branch out to other parts of the body. It also cushions the body from injury and regulates temperature.
Common skin issues here?
As we age, the hypodermis naturally shrinks. Collagen production slows, and the hypodermis loses its ability to retain as much moisture. This all leads to signs of aging:
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Fine lines
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Tired or dehydrated skin
Solutions?
While aging is a natural process, and these aren’t really “issues,”, there are ways to maintain a healthy complexion while the body ages. We recommend:
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Peptides: Peptides offer structural and hydration support to keep the hypodermis plump.
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SPF: Noticing a trend here? If sun damage has affected your hypodermis (think dark spots, third-degreethird degree burns, etc), it can be particularly damaging to your skin & overall health. SPF is a great way to stop this from happening!
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Exercise: Exercise increases blood flow (which carries oxygen and nutrients to the skin), improves collagen production, and builds muscle (which can help tighten and lift loose skin).
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Diet & Water Intake: Since your hypodermis is connected to the rest of your body, it serves as a communicator between what’s happening on the inside towards the outside. Drinking water increases hydration in your skin, and healthy foods provide important nutrients for happy skin layers. When your body is happy & healthy, so is your skin.
The skin is a complex and wonderful organ, and there’s no one perfect formula for perfect skin. But with a degree in Ohlolly’s Skin Science School under your belt, you're well on your way to understanding your own skin and its needs a bit more. And of course, we are always here to help. Email us at hello@ohlolly.com with any questions!
Written by Anna at Ohlolly
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/10978-skin
