Skin Care Decoded!

Dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that contains connective tissues and functions as a cushion for the body from stress and strain. The dermis is connected tightly to the epidermis through a basement membrane. The dermis contains nerve endings that give you the ability sense touch. The dermis also contains hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands, lymphatic vessels and blood vessels. The hair follicle is the part of the skin where it grows hair by packing the old cells together and attached to it is the sebaceous glands. The sebaceous gland is a tiny sebum producing gland (found everywhere except the palm, lips and soles of feet) which produces a oily or waxy matter called sebum which is used to lubricate the skin. The sweat glands are used for body temperature regulation. The blood vessels provide nourishment and waste removal from its own cells.

The dermis can be divided into two areas known as the papillary region (a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis) and a much deeper and thicker area called the reticular region. The papillary region, named after its fingerlike projections called papillae, provide the dermis a bumpy surface thus strengthens the connection between the 2 layers of dermis and epidermis. The reticular region contains a dense collection of tissues and it is where the hair roots and other glands are found.