SKIN AND SKINCARE

        The skin is the outermost organ that lines the human body. It weighs an estimated 7% of total body weight. On the surface of the skin, there are pores where sweat comes out. Understanding structure and function is the first step in a whole series of caring for and maintaining healthy skin. The skin consists of 2 main layers (Figure 1), namely:

1. Epidermis layer, this layer is the outermost layer and consists of a flattened and horny layered epithelium. This layer has no blood vessels. The epidermis consists of various layers from the inside out, the basal stratum, stratum granulosum, stratum lusidum, and stratum corneum. In this layer, there are many cells that are the target of active substances contained in skincare.
2. Dermis layer, this layer is located under the epidermis, the number of cells is relatively small, and contains a lot of fat tissue.

Figure 1. Human skin anatomy. | Source: pinterest.com      

  

        The skin is the organ that most often interacts with the environment, so its structure and anatomy are strongly influenced by these factors. The use of skincare is able to treat and protect the skin from various factors that can worsen skin conditions. The active substances present in skincare work on parts of the skin, especially on the epidermidis layer in order to produce the desired effect. However, there are some skincare that only work by forming a layer on the surface of the skin to protect its structure, such as sunscreen.