Tuesday 11 February 2014

The Bare Facts about Skin

Your dermal surface is the largest organ of the body.

This organ contains…
one fourth of the blood supply for the body;
•    half of the primary immune cells of the body;
•    and every square inch harbors approximately…
o    15 feet of blood vessels,
o    12 feet of nerves and
o    100 oil glands!

The skin is the largest organ of excretion, releasing approximately one kilometer (two pounds) of waste every day. It has three layers: the subcutaneous layer, the dermis and the epidermis. Most cellular activity occurs in the dermis. The process of keratinization allows the cells made in the dermis to rise to form the epidermis. The epidermis contains five layers; the top layer consists of dead cells that serve as a barrier against bacteria, viruses and toxins. This layer also protects us against transdermal water loss. However, by the time that we are 35 the cellular activity of the dermis is approximately half of what it was when we were 18. This degeneration accelerates the process of keratinization, causing a thickening of the upper layer of the epidermis that, left untreated, prevents healthy dermal function.

We need only two things for excellent skin: Cell turnover and proper balance of oil and water. Most commercial skin-care concoctions do not work and cause harm. For example, collagen creams serve only to soothe, because the collagen molecule is too large to cross a dermal junction. Instead of adding collagen to the skin, we must stimulate the skin to produce more of its own collagen to maintain health and youthful appearance. Most of the skin dryness that fosters the appearance of aging is caused by a break in the dermal junction that allows trans-dermal water loss. Rather than adding moisture to the skin – which is merely a comforting effect – we must stimulate the skin to produce its own cells for the regeneration of the dermal junction.

The lymphatic system cleanses body tissue, so it is one of the aesthetician’s primary concerns. Lymph is a clear, colorless fluid that is carried throughout the body, especially in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. Its function is to eliminate toxins from all of the body’s tissues. One of the primary means of removing toxins from the lymphatic system is through the skin. We call this the excretory function of the skin. Unfortunately, after the age of 18, many of us develop a thickened epidermis due to sun damage, lethargy, poor diet and disease. A thickened epidermis combats the excretory process by inhibiting skin function: This forces toxin back into the body, where the lymph must dump them either into the venous blood supply or the urinary system.

Exfoliation is the key to reducing the epidermis and stimulating the lymphatic system. The skin therapy known as the Salt-Glow encourages and enhances detoxification by the exfoliation and stimulation of the skin.

Healthsthetics at Hippocrates Health Institute is a vital part of the Active Aging Team. We offer various hydrotherapies, wraps and facials for detoxification and beautification. These procedures include the entire body – except for the face. They have the residual effect of providing you with soft, healthy, glowing skin.

No comments:

Post a Comment