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Skin Anatomy and Physiology Acne Ingredients Cosmetics
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Top | Epidermis | Dermis | Hypodermis

The epidermis, the top most layer of skin, is only 0.1 to 1.5 millimeters thick. It is made up of five layers: the basal cell layer, the squamous cell layer, the stratum granulosum, the stratum lucidum, and the stra­tum corneum. Working together, these layers continually rebuild the surface of the skin from within, maintaining the skin’s strength and helping thwart wear and tear.
The process begins in the basal cell layer, the innermost layer of the epidermis. This layer houses small round cells called basal cells. These cells constantly divide, with the new cells constantly pushing older ones on a migration toward the surface of the skin. The basal cell layer is also called the stratum germinativum because it is con­stantly producing, or germinating, new cells.
The basal cell layer also contains melanocytes, specialized cells that produce a pigment called melanin. Melanin protects the skin against sun damage, and its rate of production determines skin color—the more melanin produced in the skin, the darker the skin appears. Exposure to the sun causes the melanocytes to increase melanin production in an effort to shield the skin from damaging ultraviolet rays; the resulting effect is a suntan. Freckles, birthmarks, and age spots are also caused by patches of melanin within the skin.
Above the basal cell layer is the squamous cell layer, also called the stratum spinosum or “spiny layer” because the cells are held to­gether with spiny projections. Here lie the basal cells that have been pushed upward; these maturing cells are now called squamous cells, or keratinocytes. They have begun to produce keratin, a tough, pro­tective protein that makes up a large part of the structure of the skin, hair, and nails. (Horses’ hooves, fish scales, and animal horns are also made of keratin.)
The squamous cell layer is the thickest layer of the epidermis. This is the layer of the skin that helps to move certain substances in and out of the body; it’s also where blisters form when the skin is chafed. The squamous cell layer also contains cells called Langerhans cells, If the skin becomes damaged, these cells latch onto invading antigens, substances that are foreign to the body, and alert the im­mune system to their presence.
The keratinocytes from the squamous layer are then pushed up 
through two thin epidermal layers called the stratum granulosum and the stratum lucidum. As the cells migrate, they enlarge, flatten, and bond together, then eventually become dehydrated and die. The process fuses the cells into layers of tough. durable material, which continue to rise toward the skin’s surface.
As the layers near the surface, they become part of the stratum corneum, the outermost, visible layer of the epidermis. The stratum corneum (or “horny layer,” because its cells are toughened like an ani­mal’s horn) is made up of 10 to 30 thin layers of these dead cells. Ex­ternal pressure or friction can cause thickened areas in the stratum corneum known as corns or calluses.
As the outermost cells give way to wear and tear, they are re­placed from within by new layers of strong, long-wearing cells. In the average adult, it takes nearly a month for the stratum corneum to be completely replaced. The replacement process generally slows with age, though in some people it becomes abnormally accelerated, caus­ing a flaky, scaly skin condition known as psoriasis.


Top | Epidermis | Dermis | Hypodermis

Skin Anatomy and Physiology Acne Ingredients Cosmetics
Dictionary of Skin Care Terms Skin Care Advice Skin Problems
The Sun & Your Skin Skin Care News  


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What our customers are saying

I just wanted to write and thank you again for such a wonderful time spent in your spa on Saturdaythe 29th of September - my friend and I are from Washington State and were on a cruise ship docked in Vancouver Harbor.
Thanks so much to Margaret for starting me out just right. The massage was heavenly - it felt so good to relax and let someone take care of me for a change. I'm a single Momand for the past 10 years its always been about someone else. I was horribly stressed and frazzled when I went in (which was one of the reasons for the cruise) but I left feeling like a new person with my calmness and spirituality back in tact. This spa visit was a very special luxury for me.
The facial was a pleasant surprise. It was my firstand I think I'm hooked. I'm sorry that I can't remember the technician that helped meas she was wonderful. My face felt so very smooth and soft for a good day or two after. And the wash and toner that I bought are making a difference. I'm going to find someone here locally to help me get back on track.
My nails and toes looked great for our formal evening on the ship on Saturday night. Thanks to both of those technicians for working in cramped conditions just to get me finished in time.
I just wanted to say how professional everyone was. I was quite pleased that even though there were three people in my room at one timenot a word was spoken between them unless it had to do with the treatment.
EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE

With warm regards

Debby

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