Secrets for Youthful Skin

By Emma Scott

The largest organ in the human body is the skin. Perhaps, the one that is given the least care, subjecting it to the inclement weather, gilding it excessively in summer, and neglecting it in winter. In the event of unexpected stains or the appearance of wrinkles, the alarms are activated. Luckily, with a thorough knowledge of what to do in these cases, and, above all, how to avoid abuse and aging, super healthy and visibly youthful skin can be achieved.
By following the proven advice in this book, you will not only look healthy, but you will also lead a responsible lifestyle for your body.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Editorial Anuket
• Release date: Jul 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215759523

Book preview

Secrets for

youthful skin

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Emma Scott

Editorial Anuket

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Index

Chap.1 Basic concepts

Chap.2 Skincare

Chap.3 Aging

Chap.4 Cures and natural remedies

Chap.5 Stains on the skin

Chap.6 Homemade facial masks

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Chapter 1

Basic concepts

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The skin is the largest human organ, covering an area of about two square meters, and can weigh up to 10 kg. It acts as a protective barrier from the external environment and maintains internal homeostasis.

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Functions:

Social Importance: appearance and distinctive features of a person

Protection: a protective barrier against the external environment such as chemical or mechanical injury and ultraviolet radiation, and maintenance of internal homeostasis

Sensitivity: sensitive to pain, touch, pressure, and temperature

Thermoregulation: thermoregulation through dilation and constriction of vessels and sweating.

Metabolism: vitamin D synthesis (calcium and phosphorus metabolism) with exposure to sunlight

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Skin anatomy:

The skin is made up of two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis, which sit on top of a fatty layer called the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). In turn, the epidermis and dermis are composed of sublayers. The area that anchors the epidermis to the dermis is called the dermal-epidermal junction and is responsible for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the vascularized dermis and the non-vascularized epidermis.

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Epidermis

The epidermis is a multilayered squamous horny epithelium, generally, 0.03 to 0.05 mm thick, and is composed primarily of keratinocytes in progressive stages of differentiation from deeper to more superficial layers. As the keratinocytes divide, they move from the deepest layer to the most superficial. When they reach the stratum corneum, which is the outermost, they are eliminated during the epidermal turnover process, for example, after bathing or rubbing. This process is called peeling. A complete epidermal turnover (skin renewal) takes about 2 months.

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Dermis

Compared to the thinner epidermis, the dermis is a complex network that includes cellular and non-cellular components. It contains blood vessels, nerves, hair roots, and sweat glands. Structurally, the dermis is composed of two sublayers: the superficial papillary dermis and the deeper reticular dermis. The vascular circuit of the papillary dermis supplies nutrients and oxygen to the epidermis. Collagen, contained mainly in the reticular dermis, is the main structural protein of the dermis and the good health and youth of the skin depend on it. Elastin, another important skin protein, gives it its elasticity.

Fibroblasts are the main cells of the dermis and are responsible for the synthesis and degradation of dermal proteins (collagen and elastin). Other cells in the dermis are macrophages and lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system.

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Hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue)

The hypodermis forms the base of the epidermis and dermis and is composed primarily of loose connective tissue and adipose lobules. It contains blood vessels and nerves that are wider than those found in the dermis. The hypodermis is primarily an insulator and serves as an energy store.

Chapter 2

Skincare

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Tips for healthy skin

The good skin care, such as sun protection and gentle cleansing, can keep skin healthy and radiant.

Don't have time for intensive skin care? You can still pamper yourself by following the basics. Good skincare and healthy lifestyle choices can help you slow down natural aging and prevent various skin problems.

Start with these five sensible tips:

1. Protect yourself from the sun

One of the most important ways to care for your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and other skin problems, as well as an increased risk of skin cancer.

For the most complete sun protection:

• Use sunscreen. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15. Put on plenty of sunscreens, and reapply every two hours—or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

• Look for shady places. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.

• Wear protective clothing. Protect your skin by wearing tight-fitting, long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider laundry products that can provide clothing with an extra layer of UV protection for a set number of washes, or special sun protection garments that are specially designed to block UV rays

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2. Don't smoke

Smoking gives your skin an aged appearance and contributes to the formation of wrinkles. Smoking narrows the small blood vessels in the uppermost layers of the skin, which decreases blood flow and makes the skin look paler. This also removes oxygen and nutrients that are important for good skin health.

Smoking also damages collagen and elastin, the fibers that give skin strength and elasticity. Also, the repetitive facial