Regenerative Capacity of the Skin
Author: Chaeyoon Lee
Editor: Jiho Chang
Majority of people think that the skin is a main protection of our body and a largest organ in our body. Surprisingly, skin works much more than we think. The skin is the body's major organ. The epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer are the three primary layers.
Firstly, epidermis is an elastic layer on the exterior of the skin that is constantly renewed. The epidermis refers to the visible outermost layer of skin. It is largely made up of keratin-producing cells (keratinocytes). These cells are gradually forced to the skin's surface by younger cells, where they harden and eventually die. The hardened keratinocytes/corneocytes are tightly packed together and block off the skin from the external environment. (WebMd, 2020) Pressure or rubbing causes the cells of the epidermis to develop quicker. However, the number of skin flakes lost remains constant. As a result, the layer of toughened skin on the surface thickens and a callus forms. The skin does this to defend itself to make it more resistant to pressure and friction. The thickness of the epidermis varies depending on where it is on the body. It is just 0.3 millimeters thick on the elbows and the back of the knees, but it may be up to four millimeters thick on other regions of the body like the feet’s soles and the hands’ palms. (NCBI)
Secondly, dermis is a middle layer among the three layers of the skin. It is constructed from a thick network of robust elastic collagen fibers and it strengthens and expands the skin by making it sturdy and resilient. The dermis is made up of nerve fibers and capillaries, which are very small blood vessels. The capillaries transport nutrients and oxygen from the blood to the cells. The capillaries' other important role is to keep one’s body cool when it becomes overheated. The dermis is also the skin layer with the highest concentration of sensory (feeling) cells and sweat glands. (NCBI)
Thirdly, subcutis, also known as subcutaneous layer, is the deepest layer. It is mostly composed of fat and connective tissue. These cavities are filled with fat and water-based storage tissue. Fat functions as a shock absorber, shielding bones and joints from punches and shocks. All of these layers of functions work together to protects against mechanical, thermal, physical and other dangerous chemicals. These also prevent moisture loss, reduces the damaging effects of ultraviolet lights, product vitamin D, etc. (NCBI)
In our lives, many incidents of skin wounds and injuries take place. Mostly, the skin wounds happens due to the accidents such as scratching on the sharp objects, falling down, and getting bitten. (Healthline) Usually people think that skin become physically damaged from an external element, as well as from an internal element or via natural causes. Since people’s skin is sensitive and fragile, it is easily damaged. For example, overexposure to the sun will break down the collagen and elasticity of our skin. (Beverly Fischer, 2017) This may lead to wrinkles and age spots and redness of the skin. Also, cigarettes and alcohol which are the most common bodily vices will affect our skin health. Staying hydrate is a significant action to prevent skin for getting damage. Thus, it is important to keep drinking water and maintain the amount of water in one’s body. However, more importantly, drinking alcohol is a threatening action and the easiest way to damage our skin and reveal its age. This is because alcohol dehydrates and dries the entire body, primarily the skin. All of these problematic incidents may lead to damage and harm the structure of the skin.
As soon as the skin gets damaged, it attempts to regenerate itself. The speed that skin regenerates depends on the age of the person in question. The skin of infants renews itself every 14 days. This procedure takes roughly 28 days in teens. It takes between 28 and 42 days for adults. Skin regeneration/rejuvenation might take up to 84 days in those over the age of 50. (Healthline) In order to speed up the skin regeneration process, sleeping, diet, the lifestyle, attitude towards the wound will majorly affect. According to a study from the Journal of Applied Psychology, it was observed that a proper night’s rest and an appropriate amount of sleep impacts the speed of healing. At least eight hours of sleep seems important to have quicken the healing of skin wounds. Additionally, research shows that in order to speed up regeneration, boosting one’s immune system is important Foods that are high in nutrients and vitamins are effective in increasing the immune system. Therefore, consuming inflammatory foods such as berries, fish, mushrooms, broccoli, is needed. On the other hand, food that contains nitrates, spices and artificial sugars must be avoided and blocked if one wants to speed up the process. The main healthy food/ingredients to increase the immune system and speed up the process at the same time are vitamin A, C and E. Vitamin A is helpful product that is able to assist when tissue repair and cell generation is needed. For example, products that contain a lot of vitamin A would be sweet potato, spinach and fish oil which keeps our skin healthy and clean. Vitamin C is able to protect the cells in our body and boosts the wound healing. Vitamin E influences wound healing by modulating cellular signals in the skin. This provides the recommended quantity of Vitamin E, which can aid in wound healing. (Health and Safety Executive)
In conclusion, one’s skin regenerates itself roughly every 27 days. Proper skin care is critical for the health and vitality of this protective organ.
Reference:
Fischer, B., Dr. (2017, April 12). 5 Common Causes of Skin Damage. Beverly Fischer Beauty Blog. https://www.beverlyfischer.net/blog/common-causes-of-skin-damage
Gardner, S. S. (2020, June 14). An Overview of the Skin. Radiance. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-overview-skin
How does skin work? (2019, April 11). NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279255/
Open Wound. (2018, August 14). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/open-wound
Structure and functions of the skin. (n.d.). HSE. https://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/professional/causes/structure.htm