Skin

Our largest organ

The skin is our largest organ, it has an area of almost 2 square meters and occupies about 10-15% of the total body weight. The skin is the first thing you see of someone and forms the boundary between our internal body and the outside world.

The phrase "feeling good in your skin" already indicates that the skin is a kind of calling card, so to speak. If the skin looks healthy then that also says something about the condition of the body.

Composition of the skin

The skin is made up of the epidermis and the dermis. The subcutaneous connective tissue forms the connection between the skin (cutis) and the structures underneath such as the muscles.

The epidermis, consists of 5 layers and contains skin cells, pigment and proteins. The outer layer of the epidermis is called the horny layer (stratum corneum). This layer has the most to endure. It consists of dead cells that contain a lot of keratin. These detach over time.

The deepest layer of the epidermis is called the stratum basale. This contains stem cells and melanocytes. The entire epidermis is completely replaced in 28 days. About 30,000 cells are shed per minute. A continuous production of new cells also takes place in the epidermis.

In the dermis located below the epidermis are the blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, sweat and sebaceous glands and the senses.

Under the dermis is subcutaneous connective tissue (subcutis). In it we find blood and lymph vessels and fat.

Each layer contains connective tissue with collagen fibers for support and elastin fibers for flexibility and firmness.

Functions of the skin:

The skin provides protection against various external influences such as pathogenic microorganisms, the sun, dehydration and mechanical factors such as impacts.

The skin plays an important role in homeostasis. It maintains temperature, moisture and mineral balance.It provides a heat insulating layer.

The skin has a perceptive function, sensors in the skin are stimulated to apply heat, cold, pain, and pressure, among other things.The skin provides the indirect production of Vitamin D under the influence of sunlight.

Skin flora

On our epidermis there are billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. They are permanent residents and we also call this our resident skin flora or skin microbiota. Its function is to protect us from the growth of harmful bacteria. Healthy skin microbiota contributes to the production of sebum and bactericidal substances.

You can unbalance and damage this skin microbiota through excessive hygiene and or strong odors or soaps. Healthy skin microbiota functions as a barrier and protects the body.

In addition to resident skin flora, there is also transient flora. Transient flora has entered the skin through hand contact or contact with contaminated objects and can be washed off the skin by water soap.

Pigment and UV radiation

In the stratum basale, which is the deepest layer of the epidermis lie melanocytes capable of producing the pigment melanin. Melanin is a brown pigment that is responsible for the color of the skin and provides protection from the harmful effects of UV light.

Melanin production increases when exposed to the sun. It just takes some time for melanin to be produced by the melanocytes. If the skin is suddenly exposed to too many UV rays from the sun, melanin production cannot keep up. The result is oxidative stress: the skin turns red and burns.

What is ultraviolet radiation anyway?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. There are 3 types of ultraviolet radiation: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C.

UV-C is completely absorbed by the ozone layer, so we are not affected by it. UV-A are long waves but are not as powerful compared to UV-B. UV-A can penetrate into the dermis and cause skin aging.

UV-B does not penetrate as deeply into the skin but it does provide the sun's tan. UV-B radiation can damage your skin and is strongest between 12 and 3 p.m. in the Netherlands.

There are many beneficial effects of UV radiation, such as the production of Vitamin D. Still, it is wise to use it responsibly.

Aging skin

As we age, our skin changes. The outer layer of skin, the epidermis, becomes thinner. The number of melanocytes (pigment-containing cells) decreases and those that remain become larger. Pigmentary spots, also called liver spots, may appear on areas exposed to the sun. The medical term is lentigo, or benign pigmentation.

The connective tissue becomes less firm and loses some of its elasticity. The skin can also become a bit drier, especially in women, because of the reduced production of oil by the sebaceous glands.

Specially for 40+, there is Thorne's Collagen Plus. This promotes skin hydration, elasticity and firmness.

The subcutaneous fat layer also becomes thinner as we age, leaving you with less natural insulation and, as a result, you also lack the ability to absorb impacts, increasing the likelihood of injury.

As older people, you are more likely to overheat because the sweat glands produce less sweat.

The skin as a mirror of your health

A beautiful radiant skin reflects a body in good health. Skin problems like eczema, pustules and acne can have hormonal causes, but can also very well indicate a reduced detoxification capacity.

By increasing the detoxification capacity of your internal organs, you relieve the skin. You can think about paying extra attention to organs related to detoxification such as the liver, kidneys and intestines.

The skin as an organ needs adequate nutrients. If there are certain deficiencies, then the skin is often the last resort and comes off worst. Internal organs are more important for the functioning and are thus higher on the priority list of nutrients to be distributed. Therefore, good nutrition is crucial. Nutrients such as vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E. As well as the minerals iodine, zinc and copper. And certain herbs such as grape seed extract contribute to healthy skin.

Should you want advice on this, our orthomolecular therapist can help.

Psoriasis

About 2-3% of the world's population suffers from the autoimmune disease psoriasis. It is largely a hereditary condition. Psoriasis involves itching, inflammation of the skin and accumulations of horny cells. It is not contagious. Stress and alcohol and a weakened immune system can worsen psoriasis.

Sufficient vitamin D is necessary for our immune system. Some people benefit from improving gut health, this can reduce the severity of psoriasis.

Eczema

Eczema occurs on the epidermis and is one of the most common skin conditions. It is characterized by dry skin with red scaly itchy patches. It is not always clear what causes it. In eczema that develops from within, allergies and the gut microbiome play an important role. One of the reasons in eczema that develops from outside factors is excessive hygiene.

Skin to skin contact

Touching has become a touchy subject but is certainly important for well-being and good performance. Touch calms our nerve center and slows our heart rate. Human touch also lowers blood pressure and cortisol, our stress hormone. Skin-to-skin contact stimulates the release of oxytocin, better known as the cuddle hormone.

Others also look at:

• Skincare
• Biotin
• Grape seed extract
• French Oak Wood
• Iodine (kelp)
• Nettle
• Rose hip

Written by: Liesbeth Thoen
Edited by: Marcella van der Wel

Updated: August 16, 2023