* Epidermis

* Dermis
The Epidermis
The Epidermis is further subdivided into 5 Layers (from deepest to most superficial layer):

* Stratum basale

* Stratum spinosum

* Stratum granulosum

* Stratum lucidum

* Stratum corneum
The Stratum basale (also called Stratum germinativum): This is the deepest layer of the epidermis and it is here that new cells are generated for the renewal of the epidermal layers of the skin. A process of cell division referred to as mitotic division is responsible for the generation of the new epidermal skin cells. After the mitotic division (cell division leading to the formation of a new cell) a newly formed cell will undergo a progressive maturation called keratinisation as it migrates to the surface of the skin (1).

The Stratum spinosum: The cells that divide in the stratum germinativum soon begin to accumulate many desmosomes (structures that join adjacent cells together) on their outer surface (1).

The Stratum granulosum: As keratinocyes (these are the basic cell of which the epidermis is composed) progressively mature they accumulate a protein called keratin (this process is called keratinisation). In addition, the cells of the stratum granulosum accumulate dense basophilic keratohyalin granules (Granules found in living cells of keratinizing epithelia) (1).

The Stratum lucidum: This is the second layer of the epidermis and varies in thickness throughout the body depending mainly on frictional forces and is thickest on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (1).

The Stratum corneum: This layer consists of primarily dead skin cells. As a cell accumulates keratinohyalin granules, it is thought that rupture of lysosomal membranes (membrane covering lysosomal enzymes) release lysosomal enzymes (Lysosomal enzymes are those enzymes which are responsible for breaking down complex chemicals within a cell which have expended their useful life) that eventually cause cell death (5). The dead and dying cells filled with mature keratin form the stratum corneum .
Skin Renewal Process In the Epidermis

The epidermis is composed of stratified squamous epithelium (cells) and contains four principal types of cells. About 90% of the epidermal cells are keratinocytes (i.e.: cells with finger-like or horny projections). They produce the protein keratin. Keratin helps waterproof and protect the skin and underlying tissues (2).

Keratinocytes in the stratum basale of the epidermis can undergo mitosis (cell division). The formation of new cells in this basal layer gradually pushes previously formed cells upward through the stratum spinosum. As keratinocytes approach the surface of the epidermis, they accumulate intracellular keratin and secrete a waxy material into the intercellular space; these changes are visible in the stratum granulosum, a distinctive layer which is diagnostic for a keratinized epithelium. As maturing keratinocytes seal off the intercellular spaces through which they receive nutrients, they eventually die and form the stratum corneum, a tough and relatively impermeable layer of hardened, dead cells. Eventually, as cells reach the surface, they are sloughed off. The entire epidermis above the basal layer is replenished (replaced by new cells) within about two weeks (3).
Epidermal cells

There are several cells that make up the epidermis. Although the keratinocytes are by far the most common, they are just one of the cells found in the epidermis.

Others include:

Melanocytes: The main function of melanocytes is to produce melanin, which is responsible for the colour of our skin (4).

Langerhans Cells arise from bone marrow and migrate to the epidermis. Langerhans cells interact with white blood cells called helper T cells in immune responses and are easily damaged by UV radiation (2).

Merkel Cells: Merkel cells are located in the deepest layer (stratum basale) of the epidermis of hairless skin, where they are attached to keratinocytes by desmosomes. Merkel cells make contact with the flattened portion of the ending of a sensory neuron (nerve cell), called a tactile (Merkel) disc, and are thought to function in the sensation of touch (2).
Dermo-epidermal Junction
The Epidermis and Dermis are separated by the Dermo-Epithelial Junction. This junction holds the epidermis and dermis together and this is achieved by various fibers including collagen and desmosomes. This prevents the two layers becoming separated in areas of high shearing stress such as fingertips, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
The Dermis

The Dermis consists of two sub-layers:

* The Papillary dermis and

* The Reticular dermis

The Papillary dermis (sub-epithelial layer) includes areolar connective tissue, dermal papillae (finger like projections that increase the surface area) and ridges that extend into the epidermis.

These nipple-shaped structures protrude into the epidermis, and many contain loops of capillaries (very small blood vessels). Dermal papillae cause ridges in the overlying epidermis. It is these ridges that leave fingerprints on objects that are handled (2).

The Reticular dermis consists of dense, irregular connective tissue containing interlacing bundles of collagen and coarse elastic fibers. Within the reticular region, bundles of collagen fibers interlace in a netlike manner. A small quantity of adipose tissue, hair follicles, nerves, oil glands, and the ducts of sweat glands occupy spaces between the fibers. Varying thicknesses of the reticular region contribute to differences in the thickness of skin. The combination of collagen and elastic fibers in the reticular region provides the skin with strength, extensibility, and elasticity.
The Hypodermis
The reticular region is attached to underlying organs, such as bone and muscle, by the subcutaneous layer, also called the hypodermis or superficial fascia. The subcutaneous layer also contains nerve endings called lamellated or Pacinian (pa-SIN-e-an) corpuscles that are sensitive to pressure. Nerve endings sensitive to cold are found in and just below the dermis, while those sensitive to heat are located in the middle and outer dermis (2).

Skin Care of the Epidermis, Dermo-Epithelium, Dermis and Hypodermis
Exfoliation

Exfoliation of the skin affects the epidermis. The primary function of exfoliation is to:

a) Remove dead skin cells

b) Promote new skin cell growth

c) Promote blood circulation

Exfoliating the skins surface is an important step in the maintenance of healthy, vibrant looking skin. Products such as the Skin Renewal Gel, from Wildcrafted Herbal Products, utilises natural ingredients that gently remove the dead skin cells and nourish underlying layers. Keeping dead skin cells to a minimum, allows the skin to be able to breath better, absorb nutrients from moisturisers more easily and reduces the risk of infections such as Ring Worm and other pathogens.

In addition, removal of dead skin cells will reduce the potential for sweat glands to become blocked thus reducing white heads, blackheads and acne.

Cleansing

Following exfoliation, cleansing will remove more deep seated dirt and help free pores of possible obstruction from the stale, natural skin oils and environmental particles that become lodged in the skins folds, wrinkles and pores.

Toning

Once the dead skin cells have been removed and the skin cleaned it is important to prevent pores from remaining open. Toning, utilises skin care products that contain astringent ingredients which will close opened pores and prevent particles from entering the pores while they are wide open.

Natural skin care products should be used at all times, as there is increasing evidence suggesting that some non-natural skin care products contain ingredients that may be harmful to your health, as they are absorbed by your skin into the blood stream.
Natural skin care products such as moisturisers and masks target the Dermo-epithelium, Dermis and Hypodermis.
Moisturisers

Moisturisers penetrate the epidermis as they are absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin and the nutrients from the herbal extracts and essential oils in these moisturisers have the ability to promote cell growth and collagen production.

Moisturisers are an important final step in your daily skin care regime. They moisturise and help protect your skin, they hydrate your skin and nourish the cells and other structures outlined above, thus helping in maintaining the health of your skin.
Clay masks

Once or twice a week, a deep cleansing mask should be used on your facial skin and neck. These masks not only help to deeply cleanse your skin, but provide important nutrients to the tissues of your skin and help to remove dead skin cells from your skins surface.

References:

1. www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/medicine/dermatology/skinlsn/stspin.htm

2. Tortora, G.J. Grabowski, S.R. (1993) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (7th Edition). HarperCollins College Publisher, New York. [ISBN0-06-046702-9]

3. www.siumed.edu/~dking2/intro/skin.htm

4. medic.med.uth.tmc.edu/Lecture/Main/integ1.htm

5. www.ggc.org/Diagnostics/Biochemical/lysosomal_enyzmes.htm

6. www.ggc.org/Diagnostics/Biochemical/lysosomal_enyzmes.htm
Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.
Join our Natural Skin Care Newsletter – its fun, free and Informative and you receive a free eBook on natural skin care.

? Wildcrafted Herbal Products 2006br
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So, are natural skin care products the answer to all of our problems? What if a natural skin care product is not available for the treatment of a particular skin disorder? Are the synthetic skin care products so harmful that they should be banned?

The answer is No natural skin care products do not fix all of our problems. Maybe the author should have asked …so, are natural skin care products to answer to all our skin care problems? – then the answer would have still been No, and neither do any other skin care products on the market today – natural or otherwise.
Not all skin problems can be treated using some topical application – Many diseases such as measles, chickenpox, herpes and many more are diseases, which as part of their symptomatology, have a skin component. To think that using natural skin care products or for that matter a synthetically formulated skin care product could treat this types of conditions is ludicrous.
Sure, combine your internal medication (natural or drug-based) with a good quality, natural skin care product to address the itching, irritation and redness, etc., but dont think for one moment that a skin care products is going to effect the chickenpox virus or any other infectious disease.
Similarly, skin problems just like any other long-term disorder have a multi-faceted complexity and require a systemic approach to treatment.
If on the other hand we are simply referring to dry, oily, mature or sensitive skin, than there is no need for synthetic chemicals. Nor is this the case in the treatment of dermatitis, psoriasis or similar conditions, unless they are of a genetic origin – then there is very little that can be done other than symptom control, which natural skin care products can do just as well as any synthetic equivalent, if not better.
You see most mass-produced skin care products, whether they are 100% natural skin care products or have a synthetic component, will not work on any condition that has an internal disease process involved. For example a hormonal imbalance may cause acne. This acne will persist until the hormonal imbalance is corrected.
Similarly, viral infections can cause skin rashes and they will persist until the viral infection has been addressed. Again, sure use a topical ointment or cream for the rash and yes, make sure it is a natural skin care product, because you dont need to introduce more chemicals into the body, which it may have difficulty in utilising and/or eliminating.
In the same article, the answers to the above questions states:

Different people have different answers to these questions. However, the reality is that due to presence of synthetic preservatives, its really tough to find a natural skin care product that is 100% natural. There are natural skin care products that have natural preservatives, but their cost might be detrimental. Moreover, such natural skin products have a shorter shelf life and hence are not preferred by the manufacturers of natural skin care products.

Firstly, 100% natural skin care products are really not hard to find. There are dozens of companies that produce good quality, natural skin care products and they can be found using Yahoo, MSN or Google without much difficulty. Yes, they can be expensive, but they are no more expensive than similar, products containing synthetic chemicals produced by major brands such as LOreal, Lanc?me, and others. In fact, most are a lot less costly.
Secondly, just because a natural skin care product has a natural preservative does not make them any more expensive. I should know, as we make a large range of natural skin care products and have done so for over 20 years. We supply customers all over the world, as well as our own patients, and over 80% of our customers have been long-term customers. Some of our products use natural preservatives such as Grape seed Oil or Wheat Germ Oil and neither of these oils are very pricey.
In addition, Essential oils are some of the most powerful antiseptic substances around, some are also have powerful antibiotic properties and if used correctly, they will preserve natural skin care products for at least 2 to 3 years without any trouble. Furthermore, many of our natural skin care and personal care product contain herbal extracts. Herbal extracts are by nature alcoholic and alcohol is a very good preservative. So you see, good quality natural skin care products do not need to have preservatives (synthetic ones) added to them.
This author further states:

Some people carry a wrong notion that since natural skin care products are natural, they cannot cause any harm to the skin. The suitability of a skin care product is not based on whether it is synthetic or natural. An unsuitable natural skin care product can harm you in almost the same way as a synthetic one. So, use natural skin care products, but be open to synthetic ones too (you might need them when a natural solution is not available)

Sure, we all know that nature produces powerful substances and some of these are the most potent killers if we are exposed to them – strychnine is an example that comes to mine, but any substance found in nature has the potential to create problems, some more serious than other. Why else would herbalist have to be trained for years if you could take any old tea and drink it to your hearts content?
Many people have allergies to all sorts of chemicals (I mean naturally occurring ones as well as synthetic ones). However, that is not the products fault, these people unfortunately for them have a hypersensitivity to particular substances and their immune system needs to be treated. DONT use a synthetic substitute – the natural substances are just as powerful as synthetic chemicals, why do you think is it that modern medicine still uses morphine-based drugs to treat severe pain? – there is no synthetic substitute that is more powerful a pain killer.

Natural skin care products that have been properly formulated to target a specific skin care need, are safer, usually more effective and cost no more than their synthetic counter parts.
When ever you choose to buy a new product which you use on your skin be it a natural one or not, you should consider the following:

Always look at the ingredient list and see if there are any to which you may be allergic.
Before you start using a product apply a small area of your skin first to see if you have any undesirable reaction. You may be allergic to something in the product, which you are not aware of and this may or may not be a natural substance.
Know what the product does and what it is indicated for before you buy it.
Choose products to suit your skin type and your skins needs.
If you are not sure, ask the manufacturer, write them an email or ring them up and ask them to explain or help.

Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.
Join our Natural Skin Care Newsletter – its fun, free and Informative and you receive a free eBook on natural skin care.

? Wildcrafted Herbal Products 2004 – 2005br
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To help you get started, here are some of the most recommended natural recipes for skin care:

Facial Mask – A facial mask is a thick cream applied to the face to rejuvenate the skin, giving it a more radiant appearance and feel. Concocting a homemade mask is easily adjustable to include whatever is available in your kitchen. A simple and popular recipe that is suitable for all skin types is a combination of 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. If you have oily skin, you may want to skip olive oil and add shredded apple instead, which works as a natural astringent. Better yet, try this recipe: Combine in a bowl frac14; cup of shredded apple, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of fresh milk, and 1 tablespoon of oatmeal. Mix thoroughly and apply the mixture to your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes. Cleanse with warm water and pat dry.

Toner – A toner is a type of facial wash or lotion intended to clean deep-seated dirt and refine pores, improving overall skin texture. It is usually applied to the face using a cotton ball or pad and not rinsed off afterwards. Try this invigorating toner: Combine frac12; cup of witch hazel, 1/8 cup of white vinegar, and frac14; teaspoon of mint extract. Transfer all the ingredients in a bottle and shake well. Apply the toner to the face, avoiding the eye area, and let it dry. Follow with a moisturizer for best results.

Moisturizer – A moisturizer is designed to increase the skins water content, keeping it hydrated and supple. Try this all-natural, deep moisturizer: Combine 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter, 2 tablespoons of emulsifying wax, 1 tablespoon of beeswax; melt over low heat while stirring constantly. Let it cool and then add 4 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of almond oil. This moisturizer also smoothens the skin without the greasiness.nbsp;nbsp;

Body Scrub – Body scrubs remove all the dead skin cells, leaving it soft and smooth all over. Try this refreshing body scrub recipe: Mix 1 cup of sugar, frac12; cup of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of grated grapefruit skin. Blend well and transfer the mixture to a small jar and set aside for 2 to 4 hours or overnight. Shake the jar well before using to redistribute the oils. Scoop around 1 teaspoon of body scrub into your palm and dampen with water. Rub the mixture all over your body, concentrating on any rough areas like the elbows. Rinse your body with warm water and towel dry.

No need to splurge on expensive treatments, you can achieve a healthier and more beautiful skin using these suggested natural skin care recipes. All you need to do is go to your pantry or the nearest grocery store and be creative.

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Some of us have been using natural skin care oils for many years and our numbers are growing, due in part to recent news stories about hormones. It seems that some of the major cosmetic companies thought it was a good idea to put hormones in anti-aging creams and other moisturizers. According to doctors, that was a bad idea.

Certain types of cancer are very sensitive to the hormone estrogen, but hormones of any kind interfere with the body’s production of naturally occurring ones. Some cosmetic companies still stick with an out-dated theory about how topically applied ingredients do not penetrate through the skin’s layers and enter the bloodstream. So, they include all kinds of hazardous compounds in their products.

Health experts have shown that the ingredients in skincare products do end up in the bloodstream, causing health problems. So, before you buy a lotion or cream, read the label of ingredients carefully. Don’t be fooled by the advertisements.

Naturally occurring ingredients are always best. It’s just that some are more beneficial than others. Here’s a look at some of the natural skin care oils that are available and what they can do for your skin’s health and appearance.

Grape Seed Oil

Grape seeds contain a number of unique antioxidants. Antioxidants are important for preventing and reversing damage done by UV rays from the sun and environmental pollutants. Grape seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids that are similar to those in the skin’s sebum, our natural moisturizer. Because of that, it is readily and quickly absorbed, leaving no greasy feeling. This is one of the natural skin care oils that are particularly beneficial for repairing damage around the eyes and for fading stretch marks. It’s light enough to use every day.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is made from the fleshy pulp that surrounds the pit. It is beneficial for reliving dryness and itching, useful for treating eczema and psoriasis. It contains sterolins, which are beneficial for reducing age spots. A study in Israel showed that applying the oil nightly increased the skin’s collagen content, which improves firmness.

Some of the better anti-aging night creams contain avocado and other natural skin care oils, like Shea butter and Babassu palm oil. These ingredients support the repair work that the body does while we sleep.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is something like liquid wax. It has been used for centuries to help heal scars, lighten stretch marks and to treat conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema. It is also very similar to human sebum, so it is an effective moisturizer that does not cause greasiness.

Most moisturizers feel greasy, because they contain petrolatum or mineral oil. Those are derived from crude oil, which bears no resemblance to the skin’s sebum. So, those are obviously two of the ingredients that should be avoided.

When combined with other beneficial ingredients, natural skin care oils can help delay and reduce the signs of aging. With the information available today, there’s no reason to look older than you feel.

And now ladies and Gentlemen to learn more about anti aging Skin Care for a younger, smoother radiant looking appearance you are invited to go to http://healthy-and-beautiful-skin.com

Emily Rae – Dedicated researcher of Natural Anti Aging Skin care and Nutrition

Because of the large number of natural skin care products available today, finding the most convenient ones for skin treatment can be a difficult task. From the products claiming to be made up with the latest discoveries and technologies, to those as natural as water in nature, the array of options are countless, and most of the time requires some skin care tips to allow you to find the right one for your skin type.
In fact, one thing that you should know in advance is the fact that none of them can magically erase all of your skin’s problems such as, freckles, scars, stretch marks, imperfections or signs of aging. Natural skin products sometimes contain toxins that contribute to certain forms of skin allergies in sensitive individuals, as well as sinusitis.
A skin treatment with high levels of toxins can be carcinogenic, or cause you all sorts of health problems if you are not aware of the skin care tips provided by a dermatologist or beauty expert. Research estimates that approximately 8% of all the cosmetic products on the market contain at least one ingredient documented to create adverse reactions.
Hyper-pigmentation, dermatitis and acne are just a few of those adverse effects, more often associated with chemicals but not with natural skin care products. Make sure that your skin treatment consists of plants providing living substances and vital life energy, instead of novice toxins, because they will penetrate through your pores, and travel through your entire body via the circulatory system.
Among the useful skin care tips, consider the avoidance of natural skin care products containing perfume, synthetic fragrances and dyes, and be careful when applying alcohol-based lotions or toners, that disturb your pH level, which dehydrates your skin. Your skin treatment should not include bar soap for cleaning your face, unless it is naturally formulated to maintain your correct pH balance.
There are many other skin care tips and you can benefit from all of them. However, remember that natural skin care products claiming to include in their formula pure essential oils, need to be contained in dark glass bottles or especially lined packaging, otherwise they are lying about their formulation, because that oils are very volatile and need special manipulation.
Double check the ingredients of your skin treatment and ask your beauty advisor about your concerns. Many natural skin care products are sold at health care related stores so it is easier to get supportive information from health practitioners, avoiding potential health risks such as allergies, rashes, asthma, headaches, hormonal imbalances, cancer, and even reproductive complications,
Natural skin care products are designed to help you without the hazards of chemical products. The choice of the right skin treatment based on skin care tips and analyzing your own skin characteristics can make the difference between a healthy skin and side effects caused by inappropriate products.
Natalie Aranda writes about beauty, hairstyles and makeup tips. Among the useful skin care tips, consider the avoidance of natural skin care products containing perfume, synthetic fragrances and dyes, and be careful when applying alcohol-based lotions or toners, that disturb your pH level, which dehydrates your skin.

With the growing pollution skin care has become very essential for every person. A proper skin care will not only help your skin be healthy but also let you look good.

It will give a different glow to your skin. Skin care is better to be done naturally. The improvement on skin will be better than with artificial skin treatments. There are a few ways by which one can keep their skin healthy and beautiful.

A Dry Brush Exfoliation

Before you take a shower in the morning, you can go for a dry brush exfoliation. It helps to remove dead skin cells and allows the skin to detox. It not only improves lymph and blood circulation and decreases puffiness but also gives a calming effect to the nervous system through its gentle pressure. You need a soft and natural bristle brush to give yourself a dry brush exfoliation that will result to a proper skin care.

Improve Your Digestion

It is believed that a good skin is the result of good digestion system. People who suffer from constipation, leaky gut and other digestive problems have to face the skin disorders like acne, psoriasis and rosacea. There are two major reasons of digestion problems.

They are

People should understand that having proper amount of water is very necessary for digestion. Water helps to eliminate waste products, bathes cells and prevents constipation.

Most people these days lack fiber in their diets. On an average a person intakes only 12 g of fiber per day. In 2002, the Natural Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board recommended fiber intakes. It recommended 38 g fiber for men within the age of 19 to 50 years and 31 g for men above the age of 50 years per day. The women who are in the age of 19 to 50 years are recommended 25 g of fiber whereas women over the age of 50 are recommended 21 g of fiber per day.

Few suggestions are mentioned below:

1. An Apple a Day – you are recommended to have an apple along with its skin on.

2. Add whole grains – eat whole grain products over refined. Prefer brown rice instead of white rice.

3. Add cauliflower to your diet – you should eat cauliflower daily. It will help give you fiber that is required.

4. Eat more of beans and legumes -” add beans and legumes to your food.

Encourage Sluggish Circulation

Inactivity of a person can be very bad for skin, stress level and overall health. It may affect skin and promote bloating and puffiness, cellulite, acne and loss of muscle tone.

Few suggestions are:

You must take breaks while working
Workout at gym
Get a skipping rope
Start your morning by stretching

Excess Sugar should be avoided

Intake of excess sugar is the result of premature aging. Excess sugar means excess sugar in our bloodstream. This can result to glycation. You just need to reduce the amount of sugar intake by half.

Vanessa Hendersen is a long time user and passionate advocate of natural skin care. Visit her site now to discover cutting edge, anti-aging skin care products she recommends after extensive research: http://www.bestorganicantiagingskincare.com/