Anatomy of Skin

Each layer of the human skin is distinct and has a specific function. The top layer of the skin, the epidermis, is composed of 5 sub-layers and is responsible for protecting the body from environmental elements. It is composed of two primary types of cells. Keratinocytes make up 90% of the epidermis and are responsible for waterproofing the skin and protecting us from heat, microbes, and chemicals. Melanocytes compose 8% of the epidermis and are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that determines skin color and protects us from the sun.

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The 5 sub layers range from the underlying Stratum basale, where new skin cells are born, to the Stratum Corneum, the outermost layer of dead and dying skin cells. The stratum Corneum is particularly important because it is responsible for maintaining the acid mantle.

Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis. The dermis is composed mainly of collagen (the glue) and elastin (the fibrous protein). These two components help to give our skin its feel and texture. The dermis contains pain and touch receptors and many of our functional glands - sweat glands, hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are responsible for producing the oil that moisturizes our skin. Overactive sebaceous glands are one of the primary causes of acne. The dermis also contains blood vessels that provide nutrients to the skin and millions of sensory receptors that recognize pain, pressure and temperature.