Skin is the largest organ of our bodies. It is the first line of defense of our immune system and our last organ of elimination. Skin is permeable and can absorb many things, but if it is healthy and we're doing a good job of deterring things that are unhealthy then skin can actually help in preventing us from becoming diseased. On the other end of the body's process, anything that has gone in (by consumption, inhalation and absorption) eventually comes out through the skin. Skin is a clear indicator of general health, which is why it is crucial to use skincare products that are, at the very least, not harmful to us -- and, at best, actually good for us.The skin has five layers in the outermost part known as the epidermis, as well as two layers beneath the epidermis: the dermis and the subcutaneous. Skincare products are meant to affect only the epidermis, and most affect only the outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum.
Facial skin: Facial skin is very different than that of the rest of the body. First, facial skin is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of the body, and therefore needs to be treated more gently. Second, the pH of facial skin is more acidic than the body. It ranges from about 4.5 – 6.2 on the pH scale, with about 5.2 – 5.5 as optimal pH. The reason for the special acidity of the face is that most of the body's orifices are located on the face. These openings to the body require a special defense against pathogens such as, harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites. This extra acidity, called the “acid mantle,” provides just such defense.
Please note: When we refer to facial skin we really mean an area slightly wider than the face. The term “face” extends down to the neck and includes the region of décolleté. When we treat our skin with products, the area from the décolleté up through the neck and face are what require “facial” or “skin” care products and not “body” care.
Natural protection: Our skin creates its own natural protection. In the world of biology it's called “sebum,” which is more commonly known as “oil”. We all need sebum in our skin because it is nature's protection from environmental damage and aging, and it helps to fend off disease. As with anything in life, too much or too little sebum is not a good thing.
Additional protection: Although we may not think of it in such a positive light at first, the “T-Zone” is an area of additional protection on the face. T-Zone refers to the area of the face from the chin up through the nose between the brows and into the center of/across the forehead, forming a “T”. Because facial orifices are located in this region, more sebum is necessary here to provide extra protection.
