The Different Layers of the Skin

The skin is the densest living organ in the human body. It represents about 16% of the total weight of an adult body. It is an essential barrier for protecting the body against external aggressions (microbes, bacteria, shocks). Composed of 70% water, the skin is also made up of 27.5% protein, 2% fat and 0.5% of its minerals and trace elements.

We distinguish different layers of the skin which all have an important role which shelter different actors of the appearance of our skin.

The first layer, which is the one we see on each of us, with its color so particular to each one is the epidermis. It is the most superficial and thinnest layer.

The epidermis itself is made up of 5 layers which are:

• Stratum corneum
• Stratum lucidum
• Stratum granulosum
• Stratum spinosum
• Stratum basale

It is also composed of 4 types of cells which are:

• Keratinocytes which are cells which constitute the most superficial part of the epidermis.
• The melanocytes which give the skin its color and absorb UV rays to protect the skin against sun
• Langerhans cells which are involved in immune defense reactions
• Merkel cells which play an essential role in touch.

The second layer of the skin is the dermis. It is the middle part composed of collagen fibers and fibroblasts (cells which synthesize collagen and which are therefore essential for the elasticity of the skin). This fabric gives the elasticity of the skin. It is also the layer which shelters the hairs.

The third layer is the hypodermis which is the deepest part of the skin. The fat cells contained in this layer are other than the fat cells responsible, depending on the area, for this orange peel appearance commonly known as cellulite. This is also where acne starts.

The ORIGIN laser is a “Erbium Glass fractional” type laser in medical jargon, which means that it emits a wavelength of 1550nm. The laser beams created by the laser penetrate deep into the skin while preserving the surface layer for fewer visible side effects. The laser energy will activate the cells responsible for cell renewal and promote the production of collagen and elastic to tighten the skin and thus reduce wrinkles and imperfections.