The skin is the body’s largest organ and the most exposed part of the body, which acts as a barrier to the outside world. Like many of the body’s organs, the skin needs nourishment to deal with the demands we place upon it, and often is a good indicator of our general health.
Skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Each layer of the skin has specific functions that work together to protect the body from environmental damage, regulate body temperature, and provide sensory input. The skin also plays a role in the immune system and helps to synthesise vitamin D.
The Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and acts as a barrier between the body and the environment. It is made up of several layers of cells, including keratinocytes, which produce the protein keratin that helps to protect the skin. The epidermis also contains melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin that gives the skin its colour, and Langerhans cells, which play a role in the immune system.
The Dermis
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and is composed of connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles. The dermis provides structural support to the skin and contains collagen and elastin fibres, which give the skin its elasticity and strength.
The Hypodermis
The hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) is the deepest layer of the skin and is composed of fat cells and connective tissue. This layer acts as an insulator and helps to regulate body temperature.
Skin Ageing
Skin ages due to both internal (intrinsic) and external (extrinsic) factors.
Intrinsic ageing occurs naturally over time due to cellular changes in the body. As we age, the skin becomes thinner, loses elasticity, and produces less collagen, a protein that provides structure and supports the skin. On top of this, the skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases, which leads to dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Extrinsic ageing is caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and poor diet. These external factors can accelerate the ageing process by damaging the skin’s DNA, breaking down collagen, and promoting the production of free radicals, unstable molecules that harm cells.
At the different levels of the skin, the following changes occur with ageing:
- Epidermis: The epidermis becomes thinner, making the skin more susceptible to injury and damage. The turnover of skin cells also slows down, resulting in a duller complexion.
- Dermis: As we age, the dermis loses collagen and elastin fibres, which leads to the formation of wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of firmness and elasticity.
- Hypodermis: The subcutaneous tissue thins out, leading to a loss of volume in the face, hands, and other parts of the body.
While we cannot stop the ageing process altogether, we can take steps to slow it down by protecting our skin from sun damage, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and using natural skin care products that help to nourish and support the skin’s biological processes.
With natural ingredients, Bee Good skincare products are designed to nourish your skin without any harsh effects.
Honey is a natural humectant which means our skincare products attract and retain moisture naturally. Propolis and Hyaluronic Acid also helps to feed the dermis layer of the skin with the elements it needs to maintain the underlying structure of the skin and can help reduce wrinkles and improve elasticity in mature skin.
