The following article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you have a serious skin condition please seek the advice of a licensed physician or dermatologist.
Your skin, which is your largest organ and primarily made up of water, is constantly exposed to the elements and changes as we age so it’s no surprise that keeping it hydrated and moisturized is essential for it to function properly and for maintaining a healthy complexion.
The skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue (or hypodermis). The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin that is constantly renewing itself and its thickness can vary depending on where it is on the body (the skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet is much thicker than the skin on the face). The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and it is made up of supportive tissue and includes collagen and elastin proteins. The subcutaneous tissue is the innermost layer of the skin and it is made up of fat and connective tissue. Each layer of the skin has different functions.
The epidermis helps to protect the body from external environmental factors such as UV rays, chemicals, bacteria and viruses as well as keeping the body from losing too much water. The epidermis is constantly renewing itself and every day millions of skin cells are shed and replaced. This process is known as cell turnover which can be accelerated through exfoliation to help keep the skin looking smooth and healthy. There are two types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation involves using a scrub or brush to remove dead skin cells while chemical exfoliation uses acids or other ingredients to break down the bonds between dead skin cells. Exfoliation is important for healthy skin, but it's critical to not overdo it as over-exfoliation can damage the skin and lead to irritation and even infection.
The dermis, or middle layer, is the thickest part of the skin and contains collagen and elastin which provides strength and elasticity to the skin as well as support and nutrition to the epidermis. Sweat glands, blood vessels, sebaceous glands (oil producing glands), nerve endings, and hair follicles are all part of the dermis. As we age, the dermis begins to thin and lose its elasticity making wrinkles more likely to form. The nerve endings begin to diminish, which can lead to a decrease in sensation. The fatty tissues below the dermis shrink, and blood vessels become less efficient in carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells. The dermis also becomes less able to retain moisture resulting in skin that becomes drier, less firm, and less able to repair itself. While it is obviously impossible to completely stop aging, there are ways to help slow the process and keep skin as healthy as possible. These include avoiding sun exposure, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and using skin care products that contain ingredients that help to improve the health of the skin.
The hypodermis, or inner most layer of the skin, is comprised mostly of fat and helps to keep the skin moisturized, insulate the body, store energy, and provide a layer of protection for our internal organs. As we age, the hypodermis becomes thinner and less effective at cushioning and protecting the body. The fat cells in this skin layer break down and are replaced with smaller, less efficient cells and the connective tissue becomes less dense and less elastic. This can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of body heat. As with the other layers of the skin there are steps you can take to maximize the function of the hypodermis including drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet with the right balance of vitamins and nutrients, and limiting your exposure to harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Combining a healthy lifestyle with quality skincare products that moisturize, contain antioxidants, and have collagen boosting ingredients can help to improve the appearance of the skin and make it look healthier.
When it comes to skin appearance youth definitely has a built in advantage, but there are still steps you can take as you age to keep your skin as healthy as possible and one of the most important (and easiest) is to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. If our skin is not kept moisturized and hydrated, it can become dry and flaky. This can lead to a number of problems, including an increased risk of infection, discomfort and pain, and unattractive cracked skin. In addition, if our skin is not properly moisturized, it can become itchy, irritated, inflamed, and dull and lifeless with increased fine lines and wrinkles which can make us look older than our actual age. Dried out skin can be susceptible to more sustained damage from the sun and other environmental factors which may cause premature aging and potentially increase the risk of more serious skin disorders.
So, as you can see, it is very important to keep our skin moisturized and hydrated. There are a number of ways to do this and each person will have unique needs depending on the climate where they live, their age, skin type, diet, etc. Beyond lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and drinking plenty of water you can help keep your skin hydrated by using a moisturizer on a daily basis. As part of a daily skincare routine a moisturizer can work to soothe your skin and lock in moisturize to help keep it looking its best. When choosing a moisturizer consider the ingredients on the label and the potential risks to your skin and body. Even natural and organic products can have allergens for some individuals, but moisturizers that contain harsh chemicals, artificial colors, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances may have a greater chance to irritate your skin and potentially disrupt your endocrine system. Products should balance the need for ingredients that provide a level of efficacy with quality and safety. Skincare utilizing natural botanicals is often more sustainable as they originate from renewable plant material versus synthetic ingredients which are often made from petroleum products.
Regardless of what you decide to put on your skin be aware of what your individual needs are and how ingredients in each product can impact the health of your skin. If you have a serious or constant skin condition seek professional advice from a certified physician or dermatologist.