Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, has many causes, including cold or dry weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, and over-bathing.
Unfortunately our age can also cause a decrease in several components in our skin such as collagen, elastin, squalene,
What does your skin do anyway???We tend to focus on the visible signs of aging, but what does our skin do for us? And what changes with age in terms of functional that will not only lead to aging but also susceptibility of skin diseases/
FUNCTIONS: The functions of the skin include:
Protection against microorganisms, dehydration, ultraviolet light, and mechanical damage; the skin is the first physical barrier that the human body has against the external environment.
Sensation of pain, temperature, touch, and deep pressure starts with the skin.
Mobility: The skin allows smooth movement of the body.
Endocrine activity: The skin initiates the biochemical processes involved in Vitamin D production, which is essential for calcium absorption and normal bone metabolism.
Exocrine activity: This occurs by the release of water, urea, and ammonia. Skin secretes products like sebum, sweat, and pheromones and exerts important immunologic functions by secreting bioactive substances such as cytokines.
Immunity development against pathogens.
Regulation of Temperature. Skin participates in thermal regulation by conserving or releasing heat and helps maintain the body’s water and homeostatic balance.[1][2]
HOW IS IT PUT TOGETHER
Anatomy
The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and contributes to skin tone.
The dermis, found beneath the epidermis, contains connective tissue, hair follicles, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and sweat glands.
The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue like elastic fibers, collagen.