As I promised you, today I will tell you about the changes that are produced in the epidermis with the passage of time.
With the passing of the years the epidermis tends to become drier and scaly, becoming virtually flat progressively. The cellular reproduction of the base cell layer is slowed down gradually. Faults appear in the grainy layer which can effect the regulation of keratin (a protein which constitutes the principle component of the epidermis) as well as the lipid cements, so that they result in a reduction of resistance and elasticity of the skin (senile elastosis).
The horny layer of the skin is the porous barrier whose main function is to control the water content. Chemically it is constituted by 50% Keratin NMF (formed by substances with a higroscopic capacity, urea, lactate and amino acids 30%) and lipids (essential fatty acids, chloresterol and ceramides 10%). During ageing the horny layer becomes less functional, as the NMF components reduce (which assumes a certain level of dehydration) as well as the lipids (lesser amount of linoleic acid), all of which can lead to hyperkeratosis because of a failure in the rythmn of peeling of the skin.
The oil from grape seed (pips) contains a high level of linoleic acid (70%) the best of all the vegetable oils and it is because of this that we use it in the formulation as well as The Cream and the Hydrating Milk which bring smoothness and texture to the skin.
Int the next article I will tell you about the dermis-epidermis interface.
Mª José