Every time you stand in front of the skincare counter is not very torn, so many brands, so many patterns, and the overwhelming number of celebrity advertisements, in the end to choose what is good? Today we will talk about skincare products. Skin care products are designed according to the structure and function of the skin, understanding skin care products first need to understand the skin. We know that the heart, liver, spleen and kidneys are the organs of the human body, in fact, the skin is also a separate organ, and is the largest organ of the human body, is the first line of defense to block the human body and the outside world harmful substances. Skin is divided into epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue, as well as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands and other appendages. With skin care products are closely related to the epidermis, the epidermis can be divided into inactive layer (stratum corneum) and active layer (granular layer, spiny layer and basal layer), in the palm of the hand and the palm of the foot there is also a transparent layer. A thin layer of skin, zoomed in to see so many layers of different cells A solid structure made up of the outermost layer of keratinocytes (bricks) and intercellular lipids (cement) maintains the water content of the stratum corneum, prevents water loss, and also fights against microbial invasion, various types of injuries, irritation, and ultraviolet rays, etc., and we call this structure the epidermal barrier. The epidermal barrier is impaired when the skin is diseased, the environment is dry, prolonged sun exposure, excessive friction or cleansing. Melanocytes, which determine skin color and cause pigmentation, are concentrated in the lowest layer of the epidermis, the basal layer. Melanocytes in the basal layer synthesize melanin and transport it to the outermost layer of keratinocytes by melanosomes in the cells. Melanin has a protective physiological role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet rays. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, melanin synthesis is enhanced, resulting in a tan or a noticeable deepening of the skin’s complexion, whereas a lack of melanin will result in a direct sunburn, skipping the tanning step. The dermis is located in the deeper layers of the epidermis and can be subdivided into the superficial papillary dermis and the deeper reticular dermis. The main cell type in the dermis is the fibroblast, which synthesizes the extracellular matrix components of the dermis, including structural proteins (e.g., collagen and elastin), glycosaminoglycans (e.g., hyaluronic acid), and adhesion proteins (e.g., fibronectin and laminin). As we age, the dermis thins, which is the main reason why the skin loses elasticity and becomes dry. Between the dermis and the superficial muscles is the subcutaneous tissue layer, or superficial fascia, which is mainly fibrous and fatty tissue. The full “apple muscle” on the face is not “full of collagen”, that is the work of the subcutaneous fat, firm and wrinkle-free skin is the role of collagen. The wrinkle-free, firm skin is the result of collagen. The grooves that appear with aging, such as lines and tear troughs, are the result of the sagging and loosening of this layer. In addition, the sebaceous glands, one of the skin’s appendages, have an important effect on the skin. Lipids produced by the sebaceous glands and keratinocytes, as well as sweat from the sweat glands, form a sebaceous film on the surface of the skin, which protects the skin, moisturizes the keratinocytes, and reduces water evaporation. However, when the sebaceous glands secrete too much oil, it can also cause clogged pores and acne, such as during puberty, when the sebaceous glands secrete excessively due to the increase of androgens in the body. Healthy skin has a complete sebaceous membrane on its surface So after a general understanding of the skin’s anatomy, let’s talk about various types of skin care products. A cleanser The purpose of all cleansers is to remove epidermal oil while ensuring the integrity of intercellular lipids, that is, the face of the oil can be washed clean, but not too dry wash (the so-called cleansing after the tightness, and even dry peeling, etc.). The first step in skin care must be effective and not excessive cleansing. Simple classification of cleansers II. moisturizers Whole body moisture is mainly found in the skin, which can account for 18% to 20% of the body, the rest of the water is distributed in the muscles, internal organs and blood. The moisture in the skin mainly exists in the dermis, and we say that moisturizing is mainly for the epidermal stratum corneum, because the general products can only reach this layer. Do you really think skin care products can penetrate into the dermis? What high-tech direct skin muscle layer, popping away crow’s feet, can play the effect of botulinum toxin eye cream, we listen to good, want to do to remove wrinkles, skin tightening or to rely on scientific and effective means of medical beauty. The water content of the stratum corneum accounts for 20% to 35% of the epidermis, the water content of the stratum corneum of the skin of small children can be as high as 40%, so it looks tender Q elasticity, while the elderly skin water content of less than 18%, it looks dry, lusterless. Ancient “lotus flower” describes the beauty of the state of the stratum corneum moisture increase after bathing. Moisturizing is the main focus of skin care. Moisturizers can improve the texture and feel of the skin, increase the water content of the stratum corneum, and protect the skin from harmful stimuli. When the epidermal barrier function is compromised, there is a significant loss of water in the dermis and epidermis, and the skin becomes dry, flushed, peeling, and itchy… Topical moisturizers are the easiest and most effective way to repair the epidermal barrier function. Moisturizing factors naturally found in the skin such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and urea can be used. The stratum corneum can be rehydrated by three basic substrates (sealers, moisture absorbers and hydrophilic agents), but the current maintenance products are mostly hybrids that can both hydrate and moisturize, as well as locking and sealing water. Third, shading agent shading agent for the problem is sun protection. Sunscreen is more important than any maintenance products! Important things I will not say three times! The next issue will be a separate article on sunscreen! Here are a couple of brief mentions. The role of sunscreen is to reflect and absorb UV rays, corresponding to the inorganic sunscreen and organic sunscreen. Inorganic sunscreens, also called physical sunscreens, work by reflecting UV rays, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. After application, it is like wearing a layer of clothes on top of the skin, and unless there is a lot of sweating, there is usually no need to reapply. Organic sunscreens, also called chemical sunscreens, work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat, which is emitted from the surface of the skin, so these sunscreens gradually run out after application and must be reapplied for continued effective sun protection. Organic sunscreen ingredients can be categorized into long-wave UV (320~360nm) absorbers, including avobenzone, epsom salts, and benzophenone, and medium-wave UV (290~320nm) absorbers, including salicylates and cinnamates. It is important to know that most of the damage and aging of the skin is an irreversible process, and rejuvenation is difficult to achieve, so you can only maximize the state of the skin to maintain and slow down the aging process. Protect the epidermal barrier, less scrubs and harsh products, moderate cleansing, good basic moisturizing and sunscreen is the basic use of skin care products principles.