Ameleon Skincare

3 skin layers:

• Epidermis
• Dermis
• Subcutaneous fat

The skin is made up of three distinct layers – The top layer is called the epidermis. (The word ‘epidermis’, and the name of the other main skin layer, the ‘dermis’, both come from the name used by the ancient Greeks for the skin, derma. From this we also get the word ‘dermatologist’, meaning a Practitioner / doctor who specialises in skin problems.) The epidermis is translucent, it allows light to pass partially through it, similar to frosted glass. The epidermis does not contain any blood vessels but gets its oxygen and nutrients from the deeper layers of the skin.

At the bottom of the epidermis is a thin membrane, called the basement membrane, which attaches the epidermis firmly, though not rigidly, to the layer below. The second layer lies deeper and is called the dermis. It contains minute blood vessels, nerves, hair roots and sweat glands.

Below the dermis lies a layer of fat, the subcutaneous fat. The depth of this layer will differs from one person to another. It contains larger blood vessels and nerves, and is made up of clumps of fat-filled cells called adipose cells. The subcutaneous fat lies on the muscles and bones, to which the whole skin structure is attached by connective tissues. The attachment is quite loose, which allows the skin to move fairly freely. If the subcutaneous tissues fill up with too much fat the areas of attachment become more obvious and the skin cannot move as easily or freely -this is what gives rise to the dreaded cellulite

The junction between the epidermis and the dermis is not straight, it undulates like rolling hills - more markedly so in some areas of the body than others. A series of finger-like structures called rete pegs project up from the dermis, and similar structures project down from the epidermis. These projections increase the area of contact between the layers of skin, and help prevent the epidermis from being sheared off. As skin ages they get smaller and flatter.

Networks of tiny blood vessels run through the rete pegs, bringing food, vitamins and oxygen to the epidermis. People who have pale skin, these vessels can be seen through the epidermis, particularly if the veins widen (often referred to as 'broken veins'). If the blood carries plenty of oxygen it will be pink which most often creates a rosy colour to the skin. If the blood is running sluggishly and has lost most of its oxygen the skin will look bluer. These blood vessels respond to temperature changes. They open up in hot weather, bringing lots of red blood cells - and hence a pink flush -to the skin, and close down in the cold; this is why cold skin often looks blue.