The skin is the largest organ of the body and as such it is vital in maintaining general health.

The skin is essentially made up of three different layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the supporting subcutaneous layer.

THE SKIN STRUCTURE

THE EPIDERMIS

This is the outside layer that we can see, it protects us from the external environment, it sheds itself of old cells and constantly renews itself.  This becomes thinner in ageing skin and is also where age spots will show. Sun damage affects this layer of skin causing thinning, brown blotches and the growth of skin lesions.

THE DERMIS

This layer contains the structural elements of the skin, this is where we find elastin and collagen*, and the presence of these is affected by factors such as the sun and smoking. The sun will cause collagen to break down at a faster rate than is normal and also causes wrinkles. This layer also becomes thinner in ageing skin.

* The dermis is composed of 5% elastin and 95% collagen.

THE HYPODERMIS ALSO KNOWN AS SUBCUTANEOUS LAYER

This layer is where the fat cells lie giving skin its plumpness, the reduction in these fat cells can contribute to sagging of the skin and wrinkles. It contains vital blood vessels for nourishing and supplying the skin and nerve cells for your sensation.