It is a well known fact that skin is the body’s largest organ. But did you know it actually accounts for 1/7th of the average persons body weight? Since your skin is so regularly exposed your skin cells need to regenerate. Not only do skin cells regenerate when the skin is scraped or cut but your skin cells routinely die and fall off without injury. On average losing 50 million skin cells daily.
The skin provides the body with protection not only to the internal organs but it also protects the body from excess moisture, extreme temperatures, harmful germs and toxins. The skin also has other functions such as alerting the brain to pain and itching which might prevent serious harm.
Levels of the skin
There are 3 main layers to the body’s skin. Your skin is tough and stretchy so it can protect the body. But non-surprisingly it does a lot more than you might imagine.
Epidermis
The epidermis is the outer part of the skin, this is the part you can see. The thickness varies depending on the location of the body. It can be 4mm thick on areas such as the feet but down to just 0.3mm on places such as eyelids, elbows and the back of your knees. This layer is made up of dead skin cells which are tightly packed together. The epidermis provides protection from UV damage and germs. As this is where melanin is produced and lymphocytes are located which help ‘grab’ germs. This layer of the skin is also responsible for your skins colour and production of new skin cells. Learn more about Moringa Oil For Skin: The Ultimate Guide for anti-aging qualities.
Dermis
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin. This layer is made up of a network of elastic collagen fibres which help make the skin both strong and stretchy. In the dermis there is also a network of nerves and capillaries which help control body temperature. Of all 3 layers of the skin the dermis is also home to the most sensory cells and sweat glands.
Hypodermis
The hypodermis is the lowest layer of the skin and is made up of subcutaneous fat and connective tissues. The connective tissues in this area help connect the skin to the bones and muscles. Cavities in this area are stored with fat and water. This fat and water acts as a shock absorber against bumps and scrapes but also serve as insulation. This is the part of the body where vitamin D is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight. More about sun protection here.
Regeneration of Skin Cells
You might sometimes notice that your skin sheds, but the majority of the time our skin is shedding without us even realising. Our skin cells are produced in the lower levels of the epidermis and gradually move up the layers to the surface before hardening and falling off. This process usually happens over 4 weeks.
This process is more obvious when the skin is cut. While regrowth is similar to regular cell regeneration there are some other additional steps. First collagen spreads over the injured area creating a support structure for the new skin. A network of blood vessels followed by skin and nerve cells move into the area. Finally the hair, oil and sweat glands regenerate. If the wound is too deep the skin may regenerate; but missing some of these steps. Even without any complications such as infection, the skin that regenerates is often different to the original skin. This may result in a scar.
