Getting to know your skin's structure and what affects it
Skin is the largest part of the body. It has a complex structure and repairs and renews itself all the time, especially while we sleep.
Skin is 1–2 mm thick on average. The area around the eyes is the thinnest, and the heels are the thickest.
Layers of the skin
- Epidermis: the outer layer we can see. Its lower layer joins the dermis and is where new skin cells form; as old cells wear out, they move steadily up to the surface
- The guide suggests exfoliating and using masks regularly so worn-out cells come away, skin looks less dull, and skincare absorbs into the deeper layers better
- Dermis: the inner layer beneath the epidermis, where collagen (for firmness) and elastin (for smoothness) are produced
- Melanocyte: a cell in the epidermis that makes melanin, or pigment — the source of skin colour on the face
- The guide's illustration shows the covering layer, epidermis, dermis and fatty tissue, plus dead skin cells, new skin cells, oil glands and hair
Read next: DIY face mask with oats, honey and aloe vera gel: how to make it ›
8 factors that affect your skin
- Age
- Stress
- Sunlight and pollution
- Smoking
- Rest
- Alcohol
- Diet
- Exercise
Skin types: how moisture differs from oil
- Before choosing skincare, get to know your basic skin type so you can care for it properly
- Oil is the natural sebum the skin releases. Some people produce a lot only on the nose and forehead; others produce it all over the face
- Moisture is the nutrients and water that nourish the skin from beneath. Dry skin feels tight after washing, or flakes when very dry
- Many people think an oily face means too much oil, but the guide states the dermis is often very dry from a lack of nutrients and water — the main reason people choose the wrong moisturiser
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Want to know your skin type and where to start? Ask us on LINE. If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before changing your diet.
Herbalife products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.