The Science of Skin

Skin plays a vital role as the body’s largest organ and first line of defense. It acts as a protective barrier against environmental stressors like bacteria, pollutants, and UV radiation, while also helping to regulate temperature, retain moisture, and support immune function. Beneath the surface, the skin communicates with the nervous and immune systems, helping the body respond to injury or inflammation.

There are three main layers of skin with the hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue as the deepest layer. It is made up of fat cells that help to insulate and regulate body temperature. Blood and lymph vessels throughout this tissue supply freshly oxygenated blood to the dermis while draining lymph fluid. This process is essential for healthy skin and systemic immunity.

The middle layer, or the dermis, is composed of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for helping to keep skin firm, smooth, and hydrated. These fibers connect the dermis to the subcutaneous layer like an anchor and play a vital role in supporting the structure of bones and joints. As we age, collagen production begins to decline and can lead to the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging or sallow skin.

The top main layer of skin is the epidermis. This five-layer barrier protects and defends us against external pathogens and help to keep skin balanced. While each layer of the epidermis has a job to do, the uppermost layer, or the stratum corneum, protects the underlying tissue from damaging environmental effects. Comprised of dead skin cells this layer helps to maintain skin pH between 4.5 and 6.5 with the assistance of a thin sebaceous secretion called the acid mantle.

When it comes to caring for skin using products that are too acidic or aggressive can easily disrupt this delicate layer, leaving the skin susceptible to the breakdown of the dermal proteins, collagen, and elastin, which are known to accelerate aging. When skin is stuck in the "disrupted phase" it will overcompensate by producing an excess of natural sebum or oil production as a way to protect skin from deeper damage.

Our solution is to incorporate products that are pH balanced and provide skin with hydrating and occlusive properties to protect against transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We recommend starting with a basic routine and building upon it once skin returns to a healthy, optimally balanced state.

It is important that these formulations are also naturally rich in lipids, ceramides, probiotics, humectants, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamins like A, C and E to support healthy cellular regeneration, combat the visible signs of crepey and aging skin while strengthening the vital skin barrier.