Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It makes up about 16.6% of your total body weight. Skin is comprised of three layers, each with different functions.
The three layers of the skin are the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer (hypodermis). The epidermis is the outermost layer of your skin, the dermis is the middle layer, and the subcutaneous is the innermost layer.
The epidermis (outer layer), when healthy, acts as a physical barrier to bacteria and the sun. When the epidermal layer is healthy, your skin is able to fight off infections and retains its structural integrity. The epidermal layer of the eye is also very thin, which makes it easier to see blood pooling under the skin, which is one cause of dark circles under the eyes.
The dermis layer is comprised of the skin fibers elastin and collagen, which are responsible for retaining tone and firmness to the skin, and which provide the foundation on which new skin cells can grow. Thickness of the dermis’ collagen and elastin varies throughout the body. Our palms and soles of our feet have the greatest concentration of these fibers. The skin of our eyes has the least concentration of these fibers, making it more prone to sagging or looseness. The [tag-ice]dermis[/tag-ice] layer contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, hair follicles and sweat glands. It is also the layer which contains touch and pain receptors.
Excessive, unprotected sun exposure causes the dermis layer to breakdown, resulting in decreased elasticity and flexibility. Too much sun damage can cause your skin to age more rapidly, which is why wearing a protective sunscreen is vitally important.
The subcutaneous layer is mainly responsible for heat regulation of the body. It is made mostly of fat cells which act to keep us warm or cool us down, depending on the environment. These fat cells also cushion us (and our internal organs) against bumps and falls.
Your skin will change as you age. Skin cell production begins to slow in your 20’s, and collagen and elastin production slows down in your 30’s. If you are overweight, your subcutaneous layer will thicken, which can lead to stretching of the collagen and elastin, leaving cellulite and/or stretch marks visible on your skin.
Your skin needs to be treated well to keep you looking and feeling your best. You can promote good skin health by having good skin care habits, following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, wearing sunscreen, and managing your stress.
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Dandruff- those little white flakes which always show up at the worst possible time. You wash your hair and wash your hair, but the little flakes just keep on showing up. What causes [tag-self]dandruff[/tag-self]? And, more importantly, what can you do to control it?
Dandruff is most often caused by a fungus called Pityrosporum ovale (P. ovale) (also known as M. Ovalis or malassezia). P. ovale is a common and naturally occurring yeast-like organism found on the scalp and other parts of human skin.
When present in small numbers, this fungus has no harmful effects. However, in response to changes in climate, hormonal, or stress levels, the P. ovale tends to concentrate on the scalp- because it has the largest number of oil glands. P. ovale grow best in oil rich environments.
As the fungus grows, it increases the rate of cell turnover on the scalp- leading to the white flaking we know as dandruff.
How can you control dandruff?
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Use a medicated shampoo to combat the most obvious symptoms.
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Aim to reduce the stress in your life.
- Reduce the number of styling products you use, as mousse, hairspray, gels, and other products can make your scalp oilier- giving the P. ovale more place to breed.
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Stretch marks are the dreaded byproduct of normal puberty, pregnancy, and sudden weight gain. Surprisingly enough, they can also appear on the bodies of people who perform regular strenous exercise- like ballerinas and weight lifters. Essentially, stretch marks represent tears or scars where the skin has been stretched (damaged).
There are many claims made for creams, lotions, and gels which supposedly work on new and old stretch marks. Most of these claims are exaggerated.
If you are looking to repair stretch marks, and you are considering a cream, be sure to look for several key factors:
- Look for a high level of compounds such as collagen, aloe vera, vitamin E and elastin.
- Stay away from creams which contain a large percentage of water (why pay all that money for a bunch of gelled water?)
- Look for high levels of desirable compounds with some mention of the carrier mechanism- this is important because it determines how the repairing compounds get into your skin to actually repair it. Without effective carriers, the cream or gel will not be able to effectively penetrate your skin.
Prevention is the best way to keep from getting stretch marks- avoid rapidly shifting your weight, keep well hydrated, and avoid activities which put too much pressure on the skin.
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