The human skin is a very sensitive organ. Whatever developments come in anti aging skin care products, the skin reflects the true picture. While we make all attempts to make it appear young, the entire exercise remains transitory, more of cosmetic use. While it is very interesting to find the latest among the skin creams, waging war on the wrinkles of the skin could be a tough task. The anti aging skin care system makes every attempt to retrieve lost ground as far as the skin is concerned. Making the skin appear young is a tricky business, a chimeric nod to the quest for youth.
Our skin is a multi-layered messenger of our reflections, our happiness and our sorrow. It protects against the invisible wave of micro-organisms that attempt to invade our body’s first defence and cause disease and infection. These cells peel off and regenerate every month within the limitations imposed by age and diet. Skin works hard to protect the rest of the body. It is hardly nourished in spite of the money spent on the effort. We make every attempt to hold on to the slipping youth. There is a way to impede the process of aging. By understanding the requirements of our skin, we can give it what it needs to retain its youthfulness.
Our skin comprises of three main layers. The outer most layer over which we apply anti aging creams and lotions is the epidermis. This in turn has 4 to 5 layers, based on its location in the body and if there is a lot of hair on it. The upper layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, functions as a barrier. It is in this part that the cells are shed regularly and new cells are pushed up. There is no blood supply to these cells. Consequently, no nutrients or oxygen is carried to these cells through blood. They keep bacteria and other micro-organisms away. In the same breath, they also keep the ingredients in the anti aging products also away.
The next layer is the dermis. This is where the wrinkles form. Dermis consists of living cells and they are responsible for the structure and elasticity of the skin. As it has living cells, dermis has blood supply which transports nutrients and oxygen. Lymph vessels, sebaceous and sweat glands, hair follicles and nerve endings are also seen here. Fibers from the dermis extend into the next layer, subcutaneous layer. This layer attaches to organs such as bone and the underlying muscles. The subcutaneous layer becomes thin with age. Retinol is one of the few skin care treatments that actually reach the deeper layers of the skin. If the skin is supplied with the nutrients it requires with fresh fruit and vegetable, good quality protein and fat, it will retain that youthful glow and keeps the anti aging skin care system active.
