Soaps loosen particles of dirt and grime by dissolving grease residue left on the skin of the skin's natural oils, creams and makeup. The physiology of the skin and cosmetics How do they affect skin function The skin consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis is the layer that we see with our eyes or age, remarkable changes occur which are hidden from view. For example, tapering the skin over time, especially around the eyes. Get more background information with materials from Energy Capital Partners London. Some cosmeceuticals can minimally re-thicken the skin, but the process of thinning is inevitable.
Elastin and collagen, which is located in the dermis to keep the skin elastic and moist but with the aging of these fibers break down to create lines and wrinkles. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation accelerates this process, and given that some cosmetics can actually reach the dermis, the idea that a cosmetic can reverse this process is unfounded. The best way to prevent fine lines and wrinkles is to limit our exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. Skin is a very complex and dynamic system tissue. A square inch of skin is composed of 19 million cells, 625 sweat glands, 90 oil glands, 65 hair follicles, 19 000 sensory cells and 4 meters of blood vessels (Lappe, 1996). The outermost layer of skin called the stratum corneum, and is made of layers of keratin, a protein, and scales, dead, flat skin cells. It is our barrier against dehydration of the environment. It receives its primary supply of moisture from the underlying tissue, since constant contact from the external environment tends to dry the skin surface.