The layers of the skin

The Layers of the Skin and their Functions

Do you know about the different layers of the skin and what function each layer has?

The Cutaneous Membrane

This is the technical term for our skin.  The body’s tissues and organs need to be protected from physical damage and this is the role of our skin. This could be from cuts and bumps to radiation and chemical damage, variations in temperature and micro-organisms.

Our skin is made of three general layers:

  • The epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin
  • The dermis, which sits beneath the epidermis
  • And the hypodermis, the deeper subcutaneous tissue

The Epidermis

The Epidermis is the most superficial layer of skin which is the layer of skin that you see with your eyes. Touch sensation and protection against micro-organisms are functions of this layer.

This layer is split into 5 further layers which include:

  • Stratum Corneum – these are cells that are found in dust throughout your home. They are composed of many dead skin cells that you shed into the environment. This layer helps to repel water.
  • Stratum Lucidum – this layer is found only on the palms of the hands, fingertips, and the soles of your feet.
  • Stratum Granulosum – this is where part of keratin production occurs which is a protein that is the main component of skin.
  • Stratum Spinosum – this gives your skin strength and flexibility
  • Stratum Basale – this is the deepest layer of the five layers of the epidermis. This is where cells called Keratinocytes are formed before moving up to the surface of the epidermis before being shed as dead skin cells.

Skin anatomy. Layers: epidermis (with hair follicle, sweat and s

The Dermis

This lies underneath the Epidermis and contains:

  • Blood vessels
  • Nerves
  • Various glands
  • Hair follicles
  • Collagen

The Hypodermis

The Hypodermis, the Subcutaneous Tissue, is the deepest layer of the skin. Like the Dermis, this layer contains blood vessels and nerves but also fat. This fat works alongside the blood vessels to maintain an appropriate body temperature.

It acts as a cushion against physical trauma to internal organs, muscles and bones.

This shows how the layers of the skin changes as you get older.

younger skin and older skin

But there is now a non-surgical option to improve the appearance of ageing skin – Plasma Treatment, and you’ll be surprised at what it can treat. Find out about the different Plasma Treatments.

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