Louis-Widmer / The Skin

The skin

Why dedicate your life's work to the skin? The skin is the largest human organ and fulfils many important functions. It protects the body against mechanical, chemical and thermal influences and damage, and also against many germs. It acts as a temperature regulator. It is important for maintaining water metabolism. It is a sensory organ for love, tenderness, pain, pressure and temperature. The skin is also an organ for communication (blushing, paling, stroking hair, etc.) and it is aesthetically very important for the external appearance of a person. It is therefore worthwhile to have a dedicated interest in skin.

The skin’s functions

The skin protects the body from cold, heat, UV-radiation and pressure. It also prevents the penetration of microorganisms as well as the loss of water and body-temperature. However, the skin also absorbs certain substances, an essential function with the treatment of skin diseases. Its role as our largest sense organ is vital: numerous sensations such as caresses, pain or heat are perceived through the skin.

The skin is made up of three layers:

Epidermis: protects against external factors
Corium: assures skin-nourishment, immune defense, and sensory perception
Subcutis: contains the fat cells, which store fat and water and are responsible for the skin’s elasticity

How much care does skin need?

Everybody wants a beautiful, soft, and supple skin. Having a healthy, wrinkle-free skin is not only a question of age: harmful environmental factors, UV-rays, unhealthy eating habits, stress, and psychological problems can accelerate the aging of the skin. Both the amount and the kind of care the skin needs largely depend on the skin type. Generally, it can be said that more mature skin requires more attention. From the age of thirty onwards, the first signs of aging skin can be detected. The skin’s fat production decreases, which leads to a loss of moisture. In turn, the skin gets drier and small wrinkles develop. With increasing age, the quality and amount of collagen and elastic fibers decreases: The skin becomes thinner and less elastic, which further adds to the appearance of wrinkles. The biological aging process cannot be stopped, but the right care can slow it down. To achieve this effect the skin should be cared for regularly and with products that are suitable for the respective skin type and its individual requirements.