Your skin consists of 3 layers with different functions: Epidermis (your outer skin) and Dermis (your true skin), Hypodermis
1- Epidermis (your outer skin):
It is a protective shield against outside attacks. It is responsible for elastic, hydrated and firm skin. The Epidermis five layers renew the skin cells continuously. The Epidermis also contains pigment cells that determine the skin color and offer protection against UV.
2- Dermis (your true skin):
This is the layer beneath the epidermis that mainly consists of connective tissue. It contains Collagen fibers, Elastin fibers, Fibroblasts, and Hyaluronic acid. All those components are essential for elasticity, firmness, wrinkles, aging process, skin hydration and skin regeneration.
3- Hypodermis:
It is the deepest layer of the skin that consists of connective tissue and fat. It is the connecting layer with deeper tissues.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that represents 80% of the human skin. It forms a fibrous network that provides structure to skin tissues. It gives the skin its strength, flexibility and young appearance. There are different types of collagen, the most important ones are type I and II.
Fibroblasts
Fibroblasts are present in the dermis, they are the collagen producing cells. As of age of 21, collagen production slows down and its degradation accelerates and the skin starts losing its
structure. Skin becomes thinner and drier, and loses its volume, firmness and radiance. Fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of skin aging gradually appear.
As a result of the aging process, the skin starts losing its collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
Elastin
Elastin is an essential protein in the dermis layer. It is responsible for skin elasticity, allowing the skin to return to its original shape after stretching. With aging, the fibroblasts produce less elastin leading to gradual decline of skin elasticity, and this is when fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the skin dermis, it keeps the skin hydrated. During the aging process, the quantity of hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to skin dryness.
