Skin structure: recognizing anatomy, function, and type

The anatomical structure of the human skin and its functions

In addition to skin diseases, you need to know about skin in general, which is a cover of the human body that is waterproof, flexible, but still strong. Generally, the surface of the skin feels smooth, interspersed with hair and pores to sweat it out.

The skin structure is divided into three main layers, namely the epidermis as the outermost part, the dermis layer which is in the middle, and the innermost part is the hypodermis or also called the subcutaneous.

Source: WebMD

Epidermis

The epidermis is the only layer of skin that can be seen and touched. This layer consists of five types of cells, namely stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and basal stratum. Here are the details of its function.

Stratum corneum: the outermost layer of the epidermis, is formed from keratin and functions as a protective layer of the deeper skin.
Stratum lusidum: located under the stratum corneum, a thin layer visible only on the soles of the feet and palms. This layer plays a role in the level of skin flexibility and contains proteins that function to regenerate skin cells.
Stratum granulosum: located in the center, works by producing fat and other molecules that can protect the skin.
Stratum spinosum: the thickest layer of the epidermis, functions to produce keratin which also covers the scalp and nails.
Stratum basale: the innermost layer of the epidermis. This layer contains cells called melanocytes which produce the skin color or pigment known as melanin. These cells make the skin brown and protect the skin from the sun's radiation.

In addition, there is also a layer of non-keratinocyte cells in the epidermis, namely Langerhans cells and Merkel cells. Langerhans cells function as the skin's defense system which also helps protect the skin from disease-causing pathogens.

Meanwhile, Merkel cells function as one of the receptors that make the skin sensitive to touch.

Dermis

The second layer that lies beneath the epidermis is the dermis. The structure of the dermis layer of skin is thicker, forming a strong foundation to support the epidermis layer.

This layer contains sweat glands and blood vessels that help regulate and maintain body temperature, oil and sweat glands, and nerve endings that can transmit sensations of touch, pain, itching, and temperature to the brain.

Hypodermic

The hypodermis layer is the deepest layer of skin, often referred to as the subcutaneous or subcutis layer. The hypodermis consists of a network of collagen and fat cells, which protects the body from hot and cold temperatures.

This layer is also useful for protecting the body from injury by acting as a cushion that covers the bones.

Please note, the thickness of the skin in each person is different. Some have thick skin, some have thin skin. In general, the skin on the body of men is thicker than the skin of women and children. However, the thickness of the skin can also be affected by genetics, race and age.

Types of skin textures

It's not just a matter of color and thickness, everyone's skin texture is also different. Recognizing the type of skin texture is important for choosing the right skin care method. However, this skin type is not constant and can change. The division of a person's skin type depends on:

the amount of water the skin contains or how much water it has,
the amount of oil in your skin or how oily your skin is, and
the level of sensitivity or how sensitive the skin is.

Based on the three factors above, human skin is generally divided into 5 types as follows.

1. Dry skin

Dry skin tends to be rough, scaly, and itchy. Pores and skin lines are clearly visible. You can see the erosion of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Skin can become coarser and scaly when the air is dry and when you clean it with strong soaps.

You are more prone to dry skin as an adult because dryness is part of the aging process. Long hot showers, the effects of drugs, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, or a family history can all contribute to dry skin.

Some ways to treat dry skin that you can do regularly are showering with mild soap or specially designed for dry skin, applying moisturizer regularly, not rubbing the skin too hard while bathing, and not taking hot showers for too long.

2. Oily skin

This skin looks lustrous, especially when you see it in the light. You can also see the oil. There are open pores, pimples, and blackheads on the skin. Oily skin can be experienced in hot weather or during puberty.

Stress and the effects of antibiotic drugs are one of the causes of oily skin.

3. Normal skin

Normal skin tone is generally even; the texture is soft and smooth. No visible pores, blemishes, red blemishes, blackheads, pimples, peels, or other visible skin problems. The surface of the skin is not too oily or dry because the water and oil are well balanced and the blood supply is good.

This is the most perfect skin type that doesn't require too much skin care. You only have to use a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

4. Combination skin

Combination skin generally shows an oily appearance on the chin, forehead, nose; then dry on the other side. Usually combination skin is also accompanied by large pores and blackheads. Skin looks shiny where it is oily. Combination skin can result from genetic factors or changes in weather.

5. Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin can be caused by several things. It's important to find out the cause so you can protect your skin from irritation. Signs of sensitive skin include:

redness of the skin,
a feeling of burning skin,
dry skin, and
itchy skin.

Below are some of the common conditions that cause sensitive skin.

Acne. Acne is a common skin condition. Acne appears when pores are clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, and excess oil.
Rosacea. Symptoms of this condition include damaged blood vessels, knocks.
Contact dermatitis. Your skin can be irritated by soaps, detergents, or moisturizers.

Not everyone has the same skin type. Everyone has specific conditions. It will be easier and more effective to have skin care products if you know your skin type and what it needs.

What are the characteristics of a healthy skin structure?

Just like other organs of the body, the skin structure can also experience problems. In order to avoid these problems, of course you have to take care of your skin to keep it healthy. However, what are the criteria for healthy skin?

Skin color is one of the most obvious markers. Whether you have white, black, olive, or tan skin, the most important thing is that you have an even skin tone.

There are several skin problems that can be identified by skin tone. Reddish color, for example, this can be a sign that the skin is experiencing inflammation. Dull skin tone and dark circles around the eyes are also signs that your skin is tired and dehydrated.

Next up is the skin texture. The skin is said to be in a good state when when it is touched it feels supple, soft, and smooth. If you start to see small bumps, wrinkles, or areas that look dry, it could be that your skin is having problems.

Moisturized skin can also indicate that you are meeting your water needs. Please note, mineral water is a very important intake for the health of your skin.

Water works to maintain the oil balance on the surface of the skin which in turn can prevent oily skin and acne. Water also plays an important role in collagen production.

Therefore, in addition to taking care from the outside, you should also maintain the health of your skin from the inside by drinking enough water and meeting nutritional needs with nutrient-rich foods every day.