The skin, covering the human body, is a marvelous mechanism. It is the largest and one of the most intriguing organs of the body, accounting for 16 per cent of body weight. Its proper care is vital at any age. When one is young, it helps to prevent common teenage problems like greasy skin and acne. A one grows older, it is important to counteract the increasing dryness of the skin. One can have a beautiful skin at any age if one mows how to care for it. Skin care usually refers to the face because this area, more than any other, needs care and attention. That is why the face is one of the first parts to show signs of ageing.
Functions: The skin performs many important functions. It forms a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and infections. Besides, it is a means of eliminating waste matter from the body in the form of excess water, toxins and carbondioxide. The skin also, as a sense organ, helps in regulating the body temperature, in respiration, and in the metabolic processes of the body. The skin has three layers. These are the inner most layer known as the lower dermis, the middle layer called the dermis, and the outer layer known as the epidermis. It is from the innermost layer that the various glands, including the oil and sweat glands, penetrate to the surface to eliminate waste matter. This inner layer is based on the fatty tissue of the lower dermis.
It also acts as a cushion for the rest of the skin. The most important function of the middle layer of the skin is respiration. The tone of the skin is determined by the dermis. The epidermis ranges in thickness from 1/20th of an inch on the palms and soles, to 1/200th of an inch on the face. It consists of several layers of cells. The outer layers of these cells are constantly shed as new layers replace them. This skin layer contains the nerve end lings. The oil and sweat glands open in the epidermis.
Types of Skin: The types of skin fall into four major categories: Normal, oily, dry, and combination. An easy way to discover what type of skin one has, is to wipe the face with a dry tissue upon awakening in the morning. If there is grease on the centre panel only, then it is a combination skin. A brief description of these four types of skin is given below:
Normal Skin: This type of skin is soft, smooth, finely-textured and unblemished. There may be occassional pimples just before menstruation due to increased hormonal activity, which makes the sebaceous glands overactive. Acne is, however, never a problem for people with normal skin. This type of skin is neither oily, nor dry. It is beautiful, but it needs care if it is to last. Neglect can lead to signs of ageing and wrinkling. It should be cleaned daily with soap and water, and toned with something mild, like rose water.
Oily Skin: This type of skin is shiny, thick and dull colored, It is prone to blackheads. The oil oozes and gives the skin a greasy shine.
Dry Skin: This type of skin is tightly drawn over bones and is often flaky. It lacks both serum and moisture. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. In this type of skin, the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin which becomes dehydrated. The centre panel-forehead, nose and chin may be greasy and the cheeks dry. This type of skin is very common, and it should be treated as if it were two different types of skin, the dry part to be gently cleansed and regularly lubricated and the oily part deeply cleansed and toned.
Related posts:
