The Dermis

The Dermis... The Second Layer Of Skin.

      The dermis is your true layer of skin, it lies just below the epidermis. It is much thicker than the epidermis. This layer is where the most important functions of the skin are performed. One of the functions of the dermis is protection. Your skin is a barrier against outside elements such as bacteria.

      Think of your skin as a shield or mantle. Clinicians refer to it as the acid mantle. This mantle is made up of oil, fat, sweat, and water. Think of a knight and his shield. His shield protects him from arrows that could cause harm and threaten his life. Do you think it is wise for him to neglect the care of that shield? Now I am not saying that neglecting the health of your skin could threaten your life. But taking care of your skin ( your acid mantle ), keeps it from drying out and keeps germs from coming in.

      There are other skin functions that the dermis contributes to. Sensitivity to touch and pressure, heat and cold regulation, aiding in sweat and oil production, and absorption of nutrients necessary for healthy skin, like water and oxygen.

pH..... Potential Hydrogen

      I think it's safe to assume that if you are reading this post that you are familiar with the pH of the skin. You've heard of it. But do you understand it? 

      The skin's pH ( potential hydrogen ) is important. If it becomes unbalanced we loose our protection. Most everyone that has oily skin, doesn't want oily skin. So they buy harsh cleansers and toners to use on their skin to remove the oil. They do not realize that they are stripping away the skin's natural protection barrier which leaves their pH unbalanced. The next thing they know is that for some reason or another, their skin is either getting more oily or becoming sensitive. 

      Client #1     Client #1 has oily skin and is using harsh cleansers that are stripping the oil away to aggressively. She goes to her Esthetician and complains that her skin is becoming more oily. Do you know why this is happening? Her skin is trying to compensate for the loss of oil by producing more oil for replacement. It becomes a crazy cycle that keeps  going around and around.

      Client #2     Client #2 has oily skin.  But she also is a product junkie. She loves products. When a new product is advertised, she's going to try it. If her  friend has found a product and loves it, she's going to try it. Her way of thinking is, " If a little works then I'll use more."  She over cleanses and over exfoliates until not only is her skin dry, it's also sensitive.

     Client #1 is stripping her skin of it's natural oil and drying it out. Client #2 is stripping her skin of it's natural oil, drying it out, along with removing the protective layer of skin. Both clients are disrupting the skins natural balance of acid and alkaline, the skin's pH.

      Collagen and Elastin

      Collagen and elastin are found in the dermis.  If you listen to the commercials for skincare products and  the selling pitches, then you know that products and treatments are promising to restore collagen and elastin. So what's the big deal?  I'll tell you. 

      Collagen is the substance that gives the skin it's strength. It also has the ability to hold large amounts of water. By holding water in the cells it puts tension into the skin. When there is tension in the cells, the tone of the skin is increased. But if collagen is damaged, then the skin looses its tone and firmness, which leaves the skin loose and dryer. And when skin is dry, it is aging. 

      Elastin is what gives the skin its ability to stretch. Picture a rubber band. When it is new,  and we stretch it, the rubber band pops right back. But after much use it doesn't pop back as quickly as before. Our skin is like a rubber band. As we age our skin will loose its ability to pop back. Damage to the elastin is the primary cause of sagging, wrinkles and aging of the skin.

 Healthy Lifestyles

        Unhealthy lifestyles can compromise the dermis and its ability to function properly.  Collagen and elastin are broken down when we make unhealthy lifestyle choices.  I hope that you are starting to see how a healthy lifestyle can make a great difference in your skin. All of the functions of the dermis can be affected with your choices.  Sun exposure  without protection can harm the dermis and is responsible for 85% of the breakdown of the dermis.  So wear your sunscreen, be gentle with your skin and you will see that  supple and  youthful skin is possible to achieve.