MAVACADEMY > ANATOMY CLASSES > SKIN ANATOMY
SKIN ANATOMY
THE SKIN
The skin is the envelope of the human body and its main protector. It separates the body from the outside world while allowing it to be in contact with it. The skin is the body's largest organ and the centre of touch and sensitivity. It is essential to respect its structure and its functions (thermo-regulation, skin breathing, ...), as its well being is vital for us.
The skin is made up of three definitive layers (see image)
the Epidermis
the Dermis
the Subcutis.
The Epidermis
The Epidermis is the visible and superficial part of the skin and is formed from 6 layers. (see illustration)
The Dermis
The Dermis lies between the Subcutis and the Epidermis and is a fibrous tissue made up of collagen fibres (which maintain moisture levels and add strength to the skin) and elastin fibres (which give to the skin its suppleness and its elasticity). With age, these fibres deplete and fine lines start to appear. The Dermis is also a complicated network of sebaceous and sudoriferous glands, blood capillaries, nerve endings and corpuscules (for example tactile corpuscules).
The Subcutis
The Subcutis is the deepest part, forming a layer of adipose tissue (a "fatty cushion") which allows the underlying organs and muscles, which the skin covers, to move freely. It also acts as an effective shield against damages due to surface knocks and blows. It is interspersed with bundles of nerves and blood vessels.
The epidermal cells arise from the deepest layer and multiply themselves: mitosis. They are active (nucleus) and moist. Some contain melanin: the melanocytes (skin pigmentation), some others contain keratin (protein): the keratinocytes.These gradually push upwards to form the visible layer.
As they move upwards, the keratinocytes lose their plumpness and moisture. They become scaley, flatter and harder: cornification process.
These lifeless and keratin filled cells are now perfect for their final role: protecting your skin against external damage. Finally the lifeless keratinocytes loosen themselves and continuously exfoliate: desquamation process.
These keratin debris, the secretions of sebaceous and sudoriferous glands and the epidermal lipids compose the "protective mantle" (hydrolipidic mantle) of skin.
The perpetual cycle of continual cell renewal takes between 15 and 30 days, depending on age and personal metabolism. The older you are the slower the process, which causes skin to dehydrate and fine lines to become more visible.
The key to healthy skin is to maintain this outer layer with a regular and appropriate skin care programme.
Is your skin demanding and delicate? Our new SWISS | SKIN SOLUTION skincare line is made for you!
Its mission: reconcile the quintessence of Swiss Nature and the best of Cosmetological science, with poly-sensorial textures, surprising by both their light texture and their efficiency.
Each formula meticulously blends a concentrate of Alpine botanic treasures – dermo-soothing Mallow flower, pure Alpine water and many others – and the best-advanced dermatological ingredients – Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, AHA, … - whose efficiency has been enhanced by our Laboratories.
THE MALLOW FLOWER, QUEEN OF BEAUTY
Mavala Laboratories fell in love with the Mallow flower more than 20 years ago and ever since, have been exploring its treasures. Well-known for many millennia for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, and capable of flourishing in wild areas where few other plants survive. It has developed exceptional auto-repairing properties. Rich in glucids, it provides unique dermo-soothing benefits.
In the SWISS | SKIN SOLUTION line, our Mallow flower is 100% Swiss and used distilled in steam so that all its skin benefits are preserved.
ALPINE WATER, NATURALLY PURE
The natural mineral water chosen to formulate every SWISS | SKIN SOLUTION product, surfaces from one of the highest sources in the Swiss Alps (more than 1,800 m), in an area totally pollution-free. Naturally filtered by different layers of rock, it has great purity and a perfect balance in trace elements.
SWISS HIGH QUALITY
MAVALA follows the quest for excellence and precision so dear to Switzerland. The brand controls every single step of the manufacturing process of SWISS | SKIN SOLUTION line: from formulation to assessment, through production and various quality control, all is undertaken at the international Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This absolute control guarantees every formula compliant with the drastic requirements self-imposed by the brand, starting with the ban of some ingredients (such as mineral oil, phthalates, sodium laureth sulphate, sodium lauryl sulphate or ammonium lauryl sulphate).
In addition, each product received a series of clinical tests under the supervision of independent dermatologists or ophthalmologists and assessed by women themselves in real conditions of use.
POLY-SENSORIAL TEXTURES
Our Laboratories are committed to creating surprisingly light textures:vanishing serums, an extremely-fine micro-mist, featherlight creams, feeling like bare skin formulas, making skin velvety-soft…
Led by a well-known independent perfumer, MAVALA have created its own olfactory signature: a note of freshly cut herbs, a delightful journey in the heart of Swiss mountains.
