Chapter-2: Cosmetics

Biological Aspect
Part-I: Structure of Skin & Skin
Related Problems

M. Pharm 2nd Semester

 CONTENTS
1. Structure of Skin
2. Skin Relating Problems
1. Dry Skin
2. Acne
 Introduction
 The skin is the body’s largest organ, made
of water, protein, fats and minerals. Your
skin protects your body from germs and
regulates body temperature. Nerves in the
skin help you feel sensations like hot and
cold.
 Your skin, along with your hair, nails, oil
glands, and sweat glands, is part of the
integumentary (body’s outer covering)
system.
 Three layers of tissue make up the skin:
 Epidermis, the top layer.
 Dermis, the middle layer.
 Hypodermis, the bottom or fatty layer.
 Functions of Skin:
 Barrier Function: One of the primary functions of the skin is to act as a
physical barrier between the body's internal environment and the external
environment.
 Protection from UV Radiation: Melanocytes in the epidermis produce
melanin, a pigment that absorbs and scatters UV radiation from the sun.
 Immune Response: The skin contains specialized immune cells called
Langerhans cells, which are involved in detecting and initiating immune
responses against pathogens that breach the skin barrier.
 Sensation: The Skin contains sensory receptors, including Merkel cells, which
are involved in the sensation of touch, pressure, and vibration.
 Regulation of Water Loss: Regulate water loss from the body through a
process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
 Temperature Regulation: Skin also plays a role by regulating heat loss
through its insulating properties and by controlling sweat production.
 Epidermis
 This is the outermost layer of the skin and acts as a barrier to protect the body
from the environment.
 It consists mainly of keratinocytes, which are cells that produce the protein
keratin, as well as melanocytes, which produce melanin, the pigment responsible
for skin color.
The epidermis is divided into
several sub-layers:
1. Stratum Corneum
2. Stratum Lucidum
3. Stratum Granulosum
4. Stratum Spinosum
5. Stratum Basale (or
Stratum Germinativum)
1. Stratum Corneum: This is the outermost layer of the epidermis and is
composed of dead, flattened keratinocytes called corneocytes.
2. Stratum Lucidum: This layer is only present in thick skin, such as the palms
of the hands and soles of the feet. It consists of clear, flattened cells that lack
nuclei and contain a substance called eleidin.
3. Stratum Granulosum: This layer contains granular cells that are undergoing
keratinization, a process where keratinocytes fill with keratin. It contains
granules known as keratohyalin. These granules produce lipids that help
waterproof the skin.
4. Stratum Spinosum: This layer contains several layers of polyhedral-shaped
cells connected by desmosomes, which are structures that provide mechanical
strength to the epidermis.
5. Stratum Basale (Stratum Germinativum): This is the deepest layer of the
epidermis, where keratinocytes are constantly dividing and replenishing the
upper layers of the epidermis.
 Dermis
 The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and provides structural support and flexibility
to the skin.
 It contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands.
 The dermis is primarily composed of collagen and elastin fibers, which give the skin
its strength and elasticity.
 Hypodermis
 The hypodermis, also known as subcutaneous
tissue, is the deepest layer of the skin lying beneath
the dermis.
 It primarily consists of adipose (fat) tissue and
connective tissue.
 Hypodermis acts as a cushion, offering padding and
protection for underlying organs and tissues from
mechanical shock and trauma.
 It also plays a role in anchoring the skin to deeper
structures, ensuring stability and support.
 Furthermore, the hypodermis houses blood vessels
that supply nutrients and oxygen to the skin and
surrounding tissues while serving as a reservoir for
energy storage.
SKIN RELATING PROBLEMS
1. Dry Skin
2. Acne
3. Pigmentation
4. Prickly Heat
5. Wrinkles
6. Body Odor
 Dry Skin (Xerosis)
 Dry skin occurs when the skin loses moisture and becomes
dehydrated, leading to rough, flaky, and itchy patches.
 Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity.
 The dry skin is the common problem in all age groups, but more in
elderly individuals.
 The water content of the stratum corneum play important role for
maintaining the normal appearance and texture of skin.
Symptoms of dry skin may include:
 Tightness or roughness of the skin
 Flaking or scaling
 Itching or irritation
 Redness or inflammation
 Cracks or fissures, especially in severe cases
 Causes of Dry Skin:
 Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry air, low humidity, cold temperatures,
and harsh winds can strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness.
 Hot Showers or Baths: Long, hot showers or baths can remove the skin's
natural oils, causing it to become dry and irritated.
 Harsh Soaps and Cleansers: Using soaps, detergents, or skincare products
that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances can disrupt the skin's natural barrier
and contribute to dryness.
 Aging: As we age, the skin produces fewer natural oils (sebum), leading to
reduced moisture retention and increased dryness.
 Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis,
thyroid disorders, diabetes, and allergic reactions, can cause or exacerbate dry
skin.
 Medications: Some medications, including diuretics, retinoids, and certain acne
treatments, can have drying effects on the skin as a side effect.
 How to Care for Dry Skin:
[Link] Regularly: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer daily, especially
after bathing, to help lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated.
[Link] Bathing Time and Temperature: Take shorter showers or baths with
lukewarm water instead of hot water, and avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers
that can strip away natural oils.
[Link] a Humidifier: Add moisture to the air in your home by using a humidifier,
especially during the winter months or in dry climates.
[Link] Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, which can help
improve skin hydration from within.
[Link] Your Skin: Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and scarves, in cold
or windy weather, and use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV radiation.
[Link] Irritants: Choose skincare products that are gentle and hypoallergenic,
and avoid products with alcohol, fragrances, or other potential irritants.
 Diet Recommendation for Dry Skin:
 Fatty fish like trout contain high amount of omega-3 fatty acid which help to
retain moisture and strengthen your skin.
 Vitamin E is one of the most important anti- oxidant for skin.
 Water rich low sugar fruits and vegetables are great way to hydrate and
protect skin from dryness.
 Drink plenty of water every day to keep your skin hydrated.
 Green tea loaded with skin nourishing antioxidants, it has anti-inflammatory
properties that heal damaged skin.
 Eat items such as vegetables, Eggs, fishes, Nuts like almonds, Asparagus that
are high in sulphur, which help keep your skin soft and shiny.
 Acne
 Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become
clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
 It often manifests as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts and can
appear on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms.
 Acne can affect people of all ages, but it's most prevalent during adolescence
and young adulthood due to hormonal changes.
 TYPES OF ACNE
 Blackheads (Open Comedon): These are pores clogged with excess oil (sebum) and
dead skin cells. The dark color results from the oxidation of melanin when exposed to air.
 Whiteheads (Closed Comedon): Similar to blackheads, whiteheads occur when pores
become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. However, the pore remains closed, trapping
the debris beneath the skin's surface.
 Papules: Small, red, inflamed bumps that may be tender to the touch. Papules result
from inflammation and infection of the hair follicles.
 Pustules: Pustules are similar to papules but contain pus at their tips, giving them a
yellow or white appearance. They are often accompanied by redness and inflammation.
 Nodules: Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin. Nodules form deep
within the hair follicles and can persist for weeks or months. They may lead to scarring if
not treated promptly.
 Cysts: Cysts are large, pus-filled lesions that are deeper and more severe than pustules
or nodules. They are often painful and may cause scarring. Cystic acne can be
challenging to treat and may require professional intervention.
Several factors contribute to the development of acne,
including:
 Excess Oil Production: Hormonal changes during puberty stimulate the
sebaceous glands to produce more oil (sebum), which can clog pores and
contribute to acne formation.
 Clogged Pores: Dead skin cells and oil can accumulate in hair follicles, leading to
the formation of Comedon (blackheads and whiteheads).
 Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a type of bacteria that naturally
lives on the skin. When trapped within clogged pores, P. acnes can multiply and
cause inflammation, leading to red, swollen pimples.
 Inflammation: Inflammatory chemicals released by the immune system in
response to bacterial invasion can exacerbate acne lesions, leading to painful,
cystic acne.
 Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation,
pregnancy, and certain medical conditions (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome) can
increase oil production and contribute to acne development.
 Genetics: Family history plays a role in predisposing individuals to acne. If one or
both parents had acne, there's a higher likelihood of their children developing it as
well.
 TREATMENT FOR ACNE
 Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter or prescription topical treatments containing
ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, or antibiotics can
help unclog pores, reduce oil production, and decrease inflammation.

 Oral Medications: Oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies (e.g., birth control pills), or
oral isotretinoin (Accutane) may be prescribed for moderate to severe acne to
target bacteria, regulate hormone levels, or reduce oil production.

 Professional Procedures: Dermatological procedures such as chemical peels,

microdermabrasion, laser therapy, or extraction of comedon (acne extraction) may
be recommended for stubborn or severe acne.

 Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a gentle skincare routine, avoiding harsh

products, and practicing good hygiene habits can help prevent acne flare-ups.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding excessive
sun exposure can support overall skin health.
Any Questions?