What is the composition of the skin? How does it change over time? What are the different skin types and conditions? Overview of the largest organ of the body, at the heart of Dermo-Cosmetics skin care.
Like other organs, the skin performs vital functions. Both insulating and protective, the skin regulates the temperature of the body and forms a barrier against external aggressions. It consists of three layers, each with its own role and structure.
The epidermis is at the centre of the action! As the superficial layer, it plays the role of immune and physical shield. The cells it contains produce namely keratin, a very resistant protein, and melanin, the pigment that gives colour to the skin. The hydrolipidic film, composed by sweat and sebum, covers it, and protects it from bacteria while preventing dehydration and dryness. Finally, the deepest part is where cell division occurs, allowing the skin to regenerate.
The dermis, intermediate layer, supports the epidermis. It is a kind of "fabric" of fibres, composed of, among others, two proteins: collagen, which ensures the resistance, firmness and hydration of the cutaneous tissues; and elastin, which gives them extensibility and flexibility.
The hypodermis, deep layer, consists of a fatty "cushion" that moulds onto the underlying muscles. In addition to protecting against impacts, it helps maintain body temperature and provides a supply of energy. It is also crossed by vessels and nerves heading to the dermis.
Skin type depends on two factors: the state of the hydrolipidic film and the quality of the barrier formed by the cells of the epidermis. It rarely remains the same throughout life: genetics, hormonal changes, and environmental conditions can change it. Wondering what your skin type is?
Smooth, well tensioned and soft to the touch, has a tight grain and pores are not very apparent. Neither dull nor shiny, it is free of redness and imperfections. Such a state shows that everything is working optimally: the epidermis perfectly fulfils its role of protection and regeneration.
It can be recognized by its shiny and granular appearance, as well as its pores. It sometimes displays irritation, redness or imperfections. In this case, we are dealing with a hyperactive epidermis: it produces an excess of sebum, which makes the hydrolipidic filter too dense and dead cells are no longer properly removed. Result? The skin thickens and the pores become clogged, favouring the appearance of comedones (the infamous blackheads!) and, sometimes, acne.
It is uncomfortable, sometimes rough, and pulls. On its surface are tight pores, almost invisible. Delicate, it can present diffuse redness and be bristling with small slivers called scales. The lipid content of the epidermis is below average: the skin barrier loses effectiveness.
It is dry in the peripheral zone (the cheeks) and oilier in the median zone, or T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). Why? The distribution of sebum between these parts is naturally uneven. The skin of the cheeks thus has a fine grain, and may present rosacea or flaking, while the skin of the median zone is shiny, with dilated pores and comedones.
Regardless of its type or age, skin can present special conditions and needs the right products that Dermo-Cosmetics offers.
It responds exaggeratedly to aggressors like temperature, pollution or stress. More common in individuals with fair or thin skin, reactivity may manifest as tingling, heat or diffuse redness. At a later stage, swelling, itching, or eczema may be observed.
It responds to a specific aggressor and treats it like a foreign body. Its reaction does not take place on the surface: it engages the body’s immune defences.
It has lost the ability to retain its cellular water. Dehydration may be momentary or more pronounced as it stems from transient factors, such as specific climatic conditions, or deep physiological phenomena, such as skin aging.
The skin changes its appearance, composition, and condition at different stages of life, at the same time as the body’s hormone levels vary. Of course, it requires different care from one stage to another!
In adolescence: excessive production of sebum makes the skin oilier and can cause acne. Starting at puberty, this production reaches a maximum between the ages of 18 and 20, then it gradually disappears. During this period, choose light-weight products with a matifying effect, which tighten and clear pores.
In adulthood: the cellular activity, therefore the regeneration of the skin, gradually slows down. Collagen, sebum, keratin, melanin... everything is produced less efficiently, and the skin becomes thinner. This results in a loss of firmness and increased dry skin, as well as the appearance of pigment spots and the development of increasingly deep wrinkles During this period, choose a set of firming, moisturizing and regenerating treatments, including creams and serums.
At menopause: with the drop in hormones, the aging process started in adulthood continues. The skin loses density, structure and shine. It appears weakened and dry, and additional wrinkles appear. Sustained skin care alleviates these changes: the anti-aging ritual can be supplemented by facial massages, which relax the muscles and stimulate blood circulation.
A cleansing and make-up removing water that respects the fragility of sensitive skin.
SOS paste acts right from the first night by accelerating the spot maturation process, causing it to disappear quickly.
Sebo-regulating moisturizer. Controls shine and reduces pores. Oily skin. Suitable for sensitive skin. Oil-free blotting effect texture: Proven long lasting mattifying effect. Non-comedogenic. Tested under dermatological control.
For every woman, usually aged 40+, who wants to treat the deep wrinkles and the loss of firmness around the eye.
A serum that rehabilitates the natural hydration process in dehydrated skin
