Skin is the largest organ of the body. It is always
in the process of renewing itself (watch how fast skin grows back and
heals itself after an abrasion or a cut). Skin regulates your body
temperature and helps the body get rid of wastes through perspiration.
It protects the body from harmful outside chemicals and bacteria in the
air, and from the damaging rays of the sun (although it needs some help
here).
The skin has three layers, but we are concerned primarily with the basic
two: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is outermost and is
made up of dead cells (they protect the live cells underneath), pores
and pigmentation (color) cells. As those outer cells die, the skin
manufactures new ones to take their place, usually every month (less
often as you get older). The dermis, the lower and tougher layer, is
made up of blood vessels, nerves, collagen, hair follicles and sweat
glands.
When you are born you have "perfect skin," and it grows as you grow. When you are very young, your skin cells are healthy, and they get healthier (especially with care) until about the age of twenty eight. It is then that the decline, or dehydration, of your skin cells begins. You cannot prevent this aging process. But with care, you can delay it by proper care.