The Tak Team Blog

The human skin consists of two major structures:

* Epidermis

* Dermis

The Epidermis

The Epidermis is further subdivided into 5 Layers (from deepest to most superficial layer):

* Stratum basale

* Stratum spinosum

* Stratum granulosum

* Stratum lucidum

* Stratum corneum

The Stratum basale (also called Stratum germinativum): This is the deepest layer of the epidermis and it is here that new cells are generated for the renewal of the epidermal layers of the skin. A process of cell division referred to as mitotic division is responsible for the generation of the new epidermal skin cells. After the mitotic division (cell division leading to the formation of a new cell) a newly formed cell will undergo a progressive maturation called keratinisation as it migrates to the surface of the skin (1).

The Stratum spinosum: The cells that divide in the stratum germinativum soon begin to accumulate many desmosomes (structures that join adjacent cells together) on their outer surface (1).

The Stratum granulosum: As keratinocyes (these are the basic cell of which the epidermis is composed) progressively mature they accumulate a protein called keratin (this process is called keratinisation). In addition, the cells of the stratum granulosum accumulate dense basophilic keratohyalin granules (Granules found in living cells of keratinizing epithelia) (1).

The Stratum lucidum: This is the second layer of the epidermis and varies in thickness throughout the body depending mainly on frictional forces and is thickest on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (1).

The Stratum corneum: This layer consists of primarily dead skin cells. As a cell accumulates keratinohyalin granules, it is thought that rupture of lysosomal membranes (membrane covering lysosomal enzymes) release lysosomal enzymes (Lysosomal enzymes are those enzymes which are responsible for breaking down complex chemicals within a cell which have expended their useful life) that eventually cause cell death (5). The dead and dying cells filled with mature keratin form the stratum corneum .

Skin Renewal Process In the Epidermis
The epidermis is composed of stratified squamous epithelium (cells) and contains four principal types of cells. About 90% of the epidermal cells are keratinocytes (i.e.: cells with finger-like or ‘horny’ projections). They produce the protein keratin. Keratin helps waterproof and protect the skin and underlying tissues (2).

Keratinocytes in the stratum basale of the epidermis can undergo mitosis (cell division). The formation of new cells in this basal layer gradually pushes previously formed cells upward through the stratum spinosum. As keratinocytes approach the surface of the epidermis, they accumulate intracellular keratin and secrete a waxy material into the intercellular space; these changes are visible in the stratum granulosum, a distinctive layer which is diagnostic for a keratinized epithelium. As maturing keratinocytes seal off the intercellular spaces through which they receive nutrients, they eventually die and form the stratum corneum, a tough and relatively impermeable layer of hardened, dead cells. Eventually, as cells reach the surface, they are sloughed off. The entire epidermis above the basal layer is replenished (replaced by new cells) within about two weeks (3).

Epidermal cells
There are several cells that make up the epidermis. Although the keratinocytes are by far the most common, they are just one of the cells found in the epidermis.

Others include:
Melanocytes: The main function of melanocytes is to produce melanin, which is responsible for the colour of our skin (4).

Langerhans Cells arise from bone marrow and migrate to the epidermis. Langerhans cells interact with white blood cells called ‘helper T cells’ in immune responses and are easily damaged by UV radiation (2).

Merkel Cells: Merkel cells are located in the deepest layer (stratum basale) of the epidermis of hairless skin, where they are attached to keratinocytes by desmosomes. Merkel cells make contact with the flattened portion of the ending of a sensory neuron (nerve cell), called a tactile (Merkel) disc, and are thought to function in the sensation of touch (2).

Dermo-epidermal Junction

The Epidermis and Dermis are separated by the Dermo-Epithelial Junction. This junction holds the epidermis and dermis together and this is achieved by various fibers including collagen and desmosomes. This prevents the two layers becoming separated in areas of high shearing stress such as fingertips, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The Dermis

The Dermis consists of two sub-layers:

* The Papillary dermis and

* The Reticular dermis

The Papillary dermis (sub-epithelial layer) includes areolar connective tissue, dermal papillae (finger like projections that increase the surface area) and ridges that extend into the epidermis.

These nipple-shaped structures protrude into the epidermis, and many contain loops of capillaries (very small blood vessels). Dermal papillae cause ridges in the overlying epidermis. It is these ridges that leave fingerprints on objects that are handled (2).

The Reticular dermis consists of dense, irregular connective tissue containing interlacing bundles of collagen and coarse elastic fibers. Within the reticular region, bundles of collagen fibers interlace in a netlike manner. A small quantity of adipose tissue, hair follicles, nerves, oil glands, and the ducts of sweat glands occupy spaces between the fibers. Varying thicknesses of the reticular region contribute to differences in the thickness of skin. The combination of collagen and elastic fibers in the reticular region provides the skin with strength, extensibility, and elasticity.

The Hypodermis

The reticular region is attached to underlying organs, such as bone and muscle, by the subcutaneous layer, also called the hypodermis or superficial fascia. The subcutaneous layer also contains nerve endings called lamellated or Pacinian (pa-SIN-e-an) corpuscles that are sensitive to pressure. Nerve endings sensitive to cold are found in and just below the dermis, while those sensitive to heat are located in the middle and outer dermis (2).

Skin Care of the Epidermis, Dermo-Epithelium, Dermis and Hypodermis

Exfoliation
Exfoliation of the skin affects the epidermis. The primary function of exfoliation is to:

a) Remove dead skin cells

b) Promote new skin cell growth

c) Promote blood circulation

Exfoliating the skin’s surface is an important step in the maintenance of healthy, vibrant looking skin. Products such as the Skin Renewal Gel, from Wildcrafted Herbal Products, utilises natural ingredients that gently remove the dead skin cells and nourish underlying layers. Keeping dead skin cells to a minimum, allows the skin to be able to breath better, absorb nutrients from moisturisers more easily and reduces the risk of infections such as Ring Worm and other pathogens.

In addition, removal of dead skin cells will reduce the potential for sweat glands to become blocked thus reducing white heads, blackheads and acne.

Cleansing
Following exfoliation, cleansing will remove more deep seated dirt and help free pores of possible obstruction from the stale, natural skin oils and environmental particles that become lodged in the skin’s folds, wrinkles and pores.

Toning
Once the dead skin cells have been removed and the skin cleaned it is important to prevent pores from remaining open. Toning, utilises skin care products that contain astringent ingredients which will close opened pores and prevent particles from entering the pores while they are wide open.

Natural skin care products should be used at all times, as there is increasing evidence suggesting that some non-natural skin care products contain ingredients that may be harmful to your health, as they are absorbed by your skin into the blood stream.

Natural skin care products such as moisturisers and masks target the Dermo-epithelium, Dermis and Hypodermis.

Moisturisers
Moisturisers penetrate the epidermis as they are absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin and the nutrients from the herbal extracts and essential oils in these moisturisers have the ability to promote cell growth and collagen production.

Moisturisers are an important final step in your daily skin care regime. They moisturise and help protect your skin, they hydrate your skin and nourish the cells and other structures outlined above, thus helping in maintaining the health of your skin.

Clay masks
Once or twice a week, a deep cleansing mask should be used on your facial skin and neck. These masks not only help to deeply cleanse your skin, but provide important nutrients to the tissues of your skin and help to remove dead skin cells from your skin’s surface.

References:

1. www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/medicine/dermatology/skinlsn/stspin.htm

2. Tortora, G.J. & Grabowski, S.R. (1993) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (7th Edition). HarperCollins College Publisher, New York. [ISBN0-06-046702-9]

3. www.siumed.edu/~dking2/intro/skin.htm

4. medic.med.uth.tmc.edu/Lecture/Main/integ1.htm

5. www.ggc.org/Diagnostics/Biochemical/lysosomal_enyzmes.htm

6. www.ggc.org/Diagnostics/Biochemical/lysosomal_enyzmes.htm

Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.

Join our Natural Skin Care Newsletter - it’s fun, free and Informative and you receive a free eBook on natural skin care.
© Wildcrafted Herbal Products 2006

If you have decided to get rid of you excess unwanted hair, then you have several choices available to you. The first thing that you have to do is to choose whether you want a permanent solution or a temporary one. Especially for men, usually temporary solutions are more sought out as it allows them to change their minds later on.

Thus if you are more inclined toward temporary solutions, then you will have to choose shaving, waxing or depilatory creams. If you are thinking of using shaving or depilatory creams, then you will have to make sure that you shower with warm water before the hair removal process. In the case of waxing, you don’t need to take a shower as the area that is going to be waxed must be moisture free. Also in all the tree methods stated above it is usually a good tip to have your partner assist you in the process.

If you are looking for a more permanent solution, then you should think about solutions like laser hair removal or electrolysis. These can allow for more permanent hair removal, but it is best that you get some professional advice from an expert to see if they are suitable for your skin.

More hair removal tips and advice on this page

Don’t be looking for the Dupont Company sales rep the next time you visit a Plastic Surgeon’s office because, despite popular belief, there’s no “Plastic” in Plastic Surgery. The name is taken from the Greek word “plastikos” which means to “mold or shape.”

Initially plastic surgery procedures were limited to facial and body reconstruction caused by accidents, trauma, illness or birth defects. As people began to see the purely cosmetic possibilities, many surgeons expanded their services to include facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), breast augmentation and liposuction.

It’s important to know the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery, especially if you’re planning on having your insurance company foot the bill for your procedure.

Cosmetic surgery is performed solely to improve a person’s outward physical appearance and self-esteem by correcting naturally occuring conditions that the patient is unhappy with. Cosmetic surgery may be performed by either a Plastic Surgeon or a Cosmetic Surgeon. Cosmetic surgery is generally not covered by health insurance.

Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to correct or reduce the effects of congenital defects, accidental trauma injury, infections, tumors, and other health-related conditions. It’s primary purpose is rarely to simply improve appearance except for extreme cases involving major facial or bodily damage resulting from automobile accidents, etc. Plastic Surgery may only be performed by a Plastic Surgeon.

In most cases insurance does pay for plastic surgery although there are some cases where your claim may be reduced or denied completely. That’s why it is always important to coordinate the planned procedure with your health insurance provider BEFORE you get the procedure.

Often times the difference between whether or not your insurance company will cover the bill is the REASON for the procedure. If, for example, you are having your nose reshaped because you’re unhappy with your profile — no deal. You’re on your own. However, get that same nose job because your doctor has diagnosed a chronic breathing problem that results in the potentially dangerous condition known as “Sleep Apnea” and you could end up with a new nose courtesy of your health insurance provider!

If you are planning to visit a Plastic Surgeon, keep the following items in mind:

Your plastic surgeon should be “Board Certified” by the American Board of Plastic Surgery;

If your doctor will be using anesthesia then make sure that only a licensed Anesthesiologist administers the medicine and make sure that the facility where the procedure is being performed is accredited by at least one of the following organizations:

American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities(AAAASF)

Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

Although making sure that all of these certifications are present is no guarantee of a trouble-free experience, NOT having these certifications means that both the doctor performing plastic surgery, as well as the people who run the facility, have a serious lack of regard for your health and well being! You should NEVER use an uncertified plastic surgeon or facility. The risk is simply not worth it.

Credit: Mike Jones of BodyFAQ.com, the health, body & beauty information site.
Click here for related information on Cosmetic Surgery:
http://www.bodyfaq.com/cosmetic-surgery.html

Lets face it. A nice tan makes you look and feel great. Plus, it can hide ugly cellulite and also make you appear thinner!

If you are going on a trip or you simply want to look good for an event that’s coming up, it’s important to establish a base tan.

Here are some 10 indoor tanning steps to help you achieve a nice base tan without getting burned*.

By the way, if you are hesitant about using an indoor tanning bed but want to get a tan, try a UV-free spray tan like Mystic Tan.

Otherwise, the steps below will help guide you through the UV indoor tanning process:

1. Be careful if you are on any prescription medications: blood pressure medications, antibiotics, skin problem medications are just a few categories of drugs you preferably should not be taking if you are tanning or spending lots of time outdoors. Refer to the photosensitizing medication chart in your local tanning salon to be sure the medications you are taking are not listed. These medications can effect the results of your tanning, making it more difficult to tan and you are more prone to burning.

2. Always use a good quality indoor tanning lotion. It will help your skin to absorb the UV, which will aid in the tanning process. There are also special ingredients that stimulate melanin production, such as Tyrosine, which will give you the most out of every tanning session. Your skin tends to dry out during the tanning process and if you don’t use a good quality indoor tanning lotion, your skin will exfoliate faster, become more dry and flaky, and you will lose your tan faster. So the bottom line: for a deeper, darker, longer lasting tan, you need to use quality indoor tanning lotion. It’s best to apply indoor tanning lotion immediately prior to your session or 1-2 hours prior is even better if you can. Applying it ahead of time allows your skin to absorb the lotion better so you will get the best results from your tanning session.

3. Apply after tan lotion as well to take care of your skin and keep it moisturized. Apply it twice daily at a minimum to keep your skin happy, once in the morning and again at night before bed. This also can enhance your tan and make it longer lasting- the key to a great tan is healthy skin!

4. If you are just beginning to tan, remember to start out conservative. Whatever you do, you don’t want to burn- you cannot tan on top of a burn and you will have to start over. The old saying “I always burn first and then I tan” is completely false, it simply does not have to be this way. If you burn, your skin is telling you that it’s getting too much sun, and then you will peel. So start out with a low number of minutes and work your way up. If you have fair skin but do have the ability to tan, you should not go more than 6-7 minutes your first time in a standard 20 minute tanning bed (also known as a Level 1 tanning bed). For stronger beds with shorter tan times, you would go for even less minutes.

5. Go once every 24-48 hours to build your base. Depending on how well your skin is doing, you can decide whether you can go once a day or once every other day. A good rule of thumb is if your skin is not pink within the 24 hours after your session, you can probably go again the next day without any problem. If your skin is pink, feels dry and itchy, or you get a rash, this is a signal that you went for too many minutes and need to take a break until it feels better and then start over again.

6. Once you build up your base, you really don’t need to tan as often. So depending on the type of bed you are using, you should only go 2-3 times per week to keep your tan, even less in stronger beds. This is where I see many people go overboard, tanning every day when it is really not necessary. Many people enjoy the relaxation time that tanning provides, but tanning too often can and will speed up your aging process and potentially cause other skin ailments over a long period of time. Just like everything else in life, moderation is key!

7. Wear eye goggles at all times! Many people think that putting a towel over their face will block the UV rays, but it doesn’t and repeated UV exposure can cause major eye problems later in life. Would you rather be blind or have lighter eyelids? I think I would choose the latter, but that is just me. For your own safety, please wear the eye goggles!

8. Since indoor tanning does not require the use of a bathing suit, use a towel to cover those ’sensitive’ areas that don’t see the sun very often if you want to tan all over. In the beginning, try covering those areas for half the session and see how it goes. Gradually you can remove the towel earlier and earlier until you don’t need to use one anymore. The towel acts as a filter but won’t completely block the UV rays, so you are still getting the tanning process started.

9. To avoid getting creases or pressure tanning lines, you should move your limbs into different positions during your session. For the first half, try laying down with both arms extended above your head and legs apart. For the second half, bring your arms down next to your sides but away from your body, and re-position your legs by raising one knee slightly for a half of the remaining time, and then the other leg do the same thing.

10. Try to avoid wearing make-up, deodorant, or other perfumes prior to tanning. Some of these things can make your skin more sensitive and possibly have a bad reaction with your skin when exposed to UV. If you wear a lot of deodorant, you may notice that you are not tanning as well around your armpits, and you need to remove this prior to tanning.

When it comes to tanning, every person’s skin type is different and results will vary. Consult with your local tanning salon for a skin type analysis (from a Smart Tan Certified Tanning Consultant) so you can get a good idea of where to start.

* Also, ask your doctor for his or her advice if you have any specific medical questions or concerns.

©2005 Angela Maroevich

================================================================

Angela Maroevich (everyone calls her Angie) is a salon owner,
entrepreneur, and athlete. You can review more of her
articles on tanning and skin care for free at http://www.tanning-advisor.com.
================================================================

Years ago I found out how incredible easy it is to make lotion. It is so inexpensive and organic that I wondered why anyone would even consider spending a dime on the chemical rich lotions on the market.

Besides I had an added incentive, I have eczema, so I am extremely sensitive to what I put on my skin. Making my own lotion was a great alternative for me.

To begin, for a lotion base all you need is water, oil and an emulsifier. An emulsifier is simply an ingredient that blends the water and oil together. Here is the base that I begin with to make my lotion:

You can experiment from here by adding essential oils, combining other oils; you can steep beneficial herbs into your water before you add your oil, etc…

Here is a nice winter lotion to get you started:

Geranium oil is good for supporting balance and rejuvenating dry skin conditions and for wrinkled and matured skin. Myrrh is a gentle oil that is effective in replenishing moisture.

Vitamin E oil is an excellent antioxidant and helps to protect the skin as well as a nice preservative.

Blend all ingredients in the blender either on whip or cream. You will have a nice creamy firm lotion. Add more water to make a lighter lotion. Store in the refrigerator in hot climates or store in a cool place. Shake well before use.

Enjoy your lotion. Hopefully this little recipe will inspire you to become creative!

About The Author

Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. Now she offers this information in an e-book entitled Wrap Yourself Slim: Body Wrap Exposed. Monthly newsletter is also available at her web site. for more information go to http://www.wrapyourselfslim.com

links@wrapyourselfslim.com

Thought you finally outgrew the days of bad skin and pimples? Well, think again! Many adults suffer from acne in their late twenties and thirties, even those that had never experienced the problem in adolescence. There are generally two types of adult acne - the more common form called Acne Vulgaris, and the more rare form called Acne Rosacea.

It is estimated that up to 85% of the American population between the ages of 12 to 24 years of age have suffered from some form of Acne Vulgaris. However, only about 5% of the population, or 13 million people, experience the aggravation and “rosy” cheeks of Acne Rosacea.

Acne Rosacea is a skin condition that is generally restricted to the face and eyes. It generally affects people between the ages of 30 to 60 years old. The condition is characterized by pimples, redness, and broken blood vessels.

At the onset, a person’s cheeks may tend to blush or flush very easily. However, as the rosacea develops further, redness will be noticeable around the nose area, and then extend over the remainder of the face. An extreme case might experience enlarged oil glands in the nose that can lead to an enlarged and bulbous red nose.

For those suffering from this condition, almost 50% will have issues extending to their eyes. Eye symptoms may include burning and tearing, redness, inflamed eyelids, or a scratchy feeling of something in the eyes.

Acne Rosacea is not medically dangerous, but is also incurable. The good news is that it can be controlled with treatment. The goal of the treatments is to minimize the symptoms and reduce sensitivity of the skin and eyes.

The first step in determining a treatment regimen is to identify possible “triggers”, which will be different for each individual. Acne Rosacea generally flares-up when an affected person is exposed to certain environmental or dietary conditions. Some common “triggers” may include hot baths, exercise, wind, cold weather, and certain skin products. This is by no means a comprehensive list.

The key to relief is to identify those conditions which tend to aggravate your Rosacea. Easier said then done, you say? Not really.

The National Rosacea Society recommends that you maintain a symptom diary. The purpose of your diary is to record what was eaten or the conditions immediately prior to the onset of a Rosacea flare-up. Over a few weeks time, you should start to see a pattern form that will give you insight into your own “triggers”. Of course, once you have these “triggers” identified, you can avoid these conditions by modifying your lifestyle or eating habits.

Other factors can also contribute to the exacerbation of Rosacea and should be avoided if at all possible. These factors include: avoiding direct sunlight, reducing stress, avoiding long workouts or exertion in hot weather, and limiting spicy foods and hot beverages.

Besides avoiding known “triggers”, symptoms can be treated with oral or topical antibiotics. Other medications similar to vitamin A are utilized in more extreme cases and are only available through your dermatologist. Also, laser surgery is available as a treatment alternative for reducing enlarged tissue on the nose and improving overall physical appearance.

Bill Wilson is a health and beauty writer focusing on treatment alternatives for skin and hair issues, including acne and hair growth and removal. For more info visit:

http://www.acne-support.com

http://www.affordable-hair-removal.net

Humor has long been considered one of the most effective tools to judge the quality of any relationship. If there is laughter present you can be sure the relationship is a healthy one. When the laughter ceases the relationship is on the down slide. If you want to have more fulfilling relationships you might want to consider sharpening your sense of humor as a great place to start.

Here are five ways to improve your sense of humor and improve your relationships in the process.

1. Begin to cultivate an atmosphere of humor and laughter in your relationships by focussing on the funny things in life and enjoying the laughter they evoke. Soon you will be seeing humor all over and enjoying it fully.

2. If you don ‘t laugh as much as you used to and want to correct the situation start associating with humorous, fun loving people and avoid the downers.

3. Learn to laugh at yourself. If you don’t you leave the job to others. So many people are unable to laugh at themselves because of their own insecurities and fears. We are afraid to look foolish in the eyes of others and appear to be incompetent. It is important to realize that we all make mistakes and when we do a good laugh makes the mistake seem trivial and human.

4. Collect cartoons and jokes and put them on display on the fridge or the bulletin board for all to see and enjoy. Make sure to avoid racist, sexist or filthy humor. There is plenty of good clean humor to go around without resorting to these. Remember that there is a difference between dirty and earthy humor. I personally like earthy humor. I don’t appreciate dirty material.

5. Use humor to neutralize conflict in your relationships. When things get tense use self deprecating humor to lighten things up. I remember one evening having an argument with my wife, Carol. In the heat of the moment she said something totally out of character. She said something hurtful. In my surprise I looked at her and said, ” Carol, when you say things like that you stoop to my level.” She started to laugh and so did I. It wasn’t long before things were back to normal.

Remember that a sense of humor is learned, not inherited. You can sharpen your sense of humor if you really want to. When you do, you will find that your relationships become richer and more rewarding and that people find you more attractive and fun to be with. This alone makes improving your sense of humor worth the effort.

About The Author

Mike Moore is an international speaker/ writer/ cartoonist on humor, motivation and human potential. Visit him at http://www.motivationalplus.com

http://www.motivationalplus.com/cartoons.html