Did you know skin is considered to be an organ – in fact the largest organ of the body? It acts as a barrier to help prevent infection entering our body, and also plays a part in maintaining a healthy body temperature. It’s equipped with nerves to help us identify hot from cold, and it helps convert sunlight into essential vitamin D.
Skin is divided into three sections. The epidermis is the outer layer, and is made of proteins including keratin. Cells in the epidermis are continually being shed and rebuilt – so much so that every 28 days (approximately), a young adult’s skin is completely rejuvenated. As we age, however, skin replacement slows down, and once we reach the age of 50, it can take up to 2-3 months for all our old skin cells to be replaced with new ones.
The second layer of skin is called the dermis, and it occupies 90% of the thickness of our skin. The proteins in the dermis (which include collagen) help keep the skin stretchy and flexible. When you pinch your skin, and watch it plump out again, you are observing the work of the dermis in action. The dermis is an important part of our skin structure as it is the region responsible for helping us feel pain, including the sensations of hot and cold. It’s also responsible for producing the oils which keep our skin soft, and for channelling moisture (in the form of sweat) away from the body.
The deepest layer of the skin is called the hypodermis. It’s a fatty layer which connects the skin to the inner parts of our body, and also cushions tissue such as muscle, from knocks and falls. That’s why too little fat on the body can contribute to damage to tissue, organs, and bones.
Regardless of age, skin is worth protecting. However, older people have more reason than others for attending to a daily skin care routine. As we age, inflammation in the skin lingers for longer, slowing healing and impacting the creation of healthy proteins, all of which can lead to serious skin conditions such as ulceration. So, just how can we care for our skin as we age?
There are several ‘environmental’ steps we can take, and it’s never too late to make these changes. Stopping smoking, covering up when outdoors and wearing sun screen, eating a healthy, well balanced diet including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and keeping away from tanning beds are all important steps toward caring for our skin. If we are experiencing dry, flaking skin, we can aim to have cooler showers and baths, use mild, fragrance-free soaps, and avoid the use of antiperspirants and perfumes. Sometimes, it is a matter of introducing a little more moisture into our living environment, something which can be done through the use of a humidifier.
As well as making environmental changes for the benefit of our skin, we can also use moisturisers. Quality moisturisers contain emollients (oily substances such as lanolin) which act as ‘fillers’ in the epidermal layer. They also contain ‘occlusives’ (such as petroleum jelly) which provide a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to help prevent moisture loss. Humectants (another ingredient in many moisturisers) help to provide the outer layer of the epidermis with water.
While moisturisers contain other ingredients (such as perfumes), they may be more for the benefit of marketing than good skin health. That’s why it’s important to consult your GP or dermatologist as to what skin care products are best suited to you. Some may even be available by prescription which can make them more affordable, or even free.
Skin deserves your daily protection, especially as you age, but it is also advisable to have your skin checked by a skin specialist on a regular basis. However you go about it, build skin care into your routine, and take the time to care for this vital organ.