HealthTree Blog

The skin is the largest organ of the body and protects us from microbes, weather and irritants. It also helps to regulate body temperature and covers an area that measures about 20 square feet. The skin has three different layers and each of these layers have their own biology and function.
The epidermis is the layer that is visible and can be very thin (on the eyelids) or very thick (on the soles of the feet). This layer is responsible for skin tone. Although this layer is the outermost it also has layers of its own. They are: stratum basale, which is responsible for building new Epidermis cells. The stratum spinosum is responsible for the use of protein by the skin. The stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum and stratum corneum are also layers of the Epidermis and help with cell and protein function.
The dremis is the second layer and contains blood vessels and nerves that are used to tell the body when there is pain or itching. This layer also contains connective tissue, hair follicles and sweat glands. The third layer is the subcutaneous layer and consists of fat, more connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels. This layer also regulated the body and skin temperature. The size of this layer varies in each area of the body and also varies from person to person.
Skin cells are constantly reproducing and regenerating themselves. Many factors can slow down this process. As we age our cells have less elasticity and therefore do not reproduce as fast as when we are young. Dryness of the skin will result in the slowing of regeneration. Thickness of skin is also a factor. After a burn skin cells work to reproduce themselves faster to overcome the possibility of infection. Our skin is the first part of our body’s protection.