Grow Younger Daily: The Power of Imagery for Healthy Cells and Timeless Beauty by Franklin Eric

Author:Franklin, Eric [Franklin, Eric]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
Published: 2017-04-26T16:00:00+00:00

Illustration 37. The layers of the skin and fascia have organization similar to that of tensegrity.

The skin breathes and is also a purifying organ. We can absorb oxygen through the skin and emit toxins as well. Along with the lungs, the intestine, the liver, and the kidneys, the skin is a most important organ in this regard. Unhealthy eating and drinking habits can be reflected in the look of your skin.

The human skin distinguishes itself from animal skin through the almost complete lack of hair. What is perceived as aesthetic in an animal, such as beautiful fur, is unpopular in humans, who generally prefer that hair in any substantial amount be present only on the head, and perhaps in males on the chest and legs as well. How this came to happen along our evolution remains unclear. Does it have advantages in the conservation or reduction of heat? Do we need hair only on the head because we are walking upright? In any case, thanks to the naked skin, fashion—one of humanity’s major creative playing fields—emerged.

The skin itself is a complex piece of clothing, which essentially consists of two layers with special features. The outer layer, as previously mentioned, is the relatively thin epidermis, which consists of cells located close to each other, thereby forming a barrier against the penetration of microbes, chemicals, and radiation. Underneath the outer layer lies the tissue-like dermis, which is constructed of scattered cells with a lot of ground substance serving as scaffolding. Both layers contain numerous sensory organs. The epidermis is the product of a cell layer that is located closely above the dermis, called stem cells. These stem cells constantly produce new skin cells, which are pushed to the surface and become increasingly flatter during this process. The reproducing stem cells basically hoist the cells above them to the surface. On the surface, the skin cells die off and form a protective layer of hard, flat cells called the stratum corneum.

The dermis, which is much thicker than the epidermis, consists of collagen fibers, blood and lymph vessels, and flat muscle cells and nerve endings. Macromolecules called glycosaminoglycans in the dermis matrix ensure the presence of water, allowing for the skin’s firmness; cosmetics advertise among other things to tighten and hydrate the skin with these substances. The skin also contains elastic and collagen fibers organized in a tensegrity-like fashion, enabling it to return to its original state after a stretch.

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