The Dermis is sometimes called the True Skin!
The reason that the skin layer known as the Dermis, that you will find under the epidermis, is called the True Skin is because it is full of blood capillaries and nerve fibres and endings. The epidermis receives its nutrients and fluid supply (for its natural moisturising factor) from the dermis and that keeps the cells hydrated.
It is formed by a network of protein fibres, and these are known as collagen and elastin. These fibres have a supportive role they are crucial for the skin’s plumpness and elasticity.
This is the area that unfortunately, as your skin matures or is damaged by the sun (UVA and UVB rays from the sun) causing pre-mature ageing, your skin will start to display pigmentation, wrinkles or even droop, spoiling your face's (and body's) naturally defined contours!
The sun's rays have a profound effect on the dermal fibrous network. UVA and UVB both have an affect on the dermis, with UVB penetrating into the epidermis and then the upper part of the dermis. Whereas, UVA is able to penetrate down to the lower part and it is these rays that cause much of the damage to the collagen and elastin fibres.
Known as photo-ageing, UVA rays cause photodamage to the collagen fibres by forming crosslinks. The result is that the collagen fibres harden and reduces its elasticity, it is this that helps to form the wrinkles, creases and even contributes to the drooping or sagging of the skin, as it loses some of its support due to this damage. Elastin is also effected, and this just increases that skin loosening, that can traditionally be seen on the back of your hands as you mature - those modern restroom hand dryers definitely give you an insight into the slackness of the skin in this area, thank you very much!
During the 1970's, an American dermatologist carried out a research project, and his sample was 16-18 year old students from California. He reported that the student sample, although at a young age, had skins similar to a 40 year old. This is due to the lifestyle they lead, especially in the summer months - being in an area where there is strong sunlight and they enjoy beach time nearly every day, such as surfing and beach volley ball, etc., their skin is in the sunlight most of the day, especially the facial skin.
It has taken years for the word to be spread about protection our skins when in the sun. With so many of us enjoying the sun and having a tan being so fashionable, and reverse of what was thought to be classy in the 19th and the first decade of so of the 20th century. It was in the 1920's and 30's where sun bathing and holidays in the sun became fashionable, and the introduction of bathing suites. In the mid to late 1970's onwards, there has been a fashion to obtain a tan, and the sunbeds brought this to many of us, but sadly it is not good for our skin, as it emits UVA rays, and you've heard what they do to the dermal fibres.
So, skin protection is a must! In fact, in Australia, they have had SPF rated clothing, so protecting our skin is crucial, as it was noted that the diagnosis of skin cancer was on the rise. Sun screen is a must for all exposed skin, all year around, and there is one key fact to remember!
You only have one skin - it's for life! Yes, I know the cells replace themselves to a degree, but this starts to slow down from the age as early as around 23, so to prolong its healthy life and protecting it from cancer, taking care of it is important - always include a sunscreen in your skin care routine.
Just love the skin you're in, and it will love you back!
Love,
Shirley xx
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