Aesthetic practice has evolved and blended with medical and surgical practices as well as with non-medical areas such as beauty. Knowledge of the structure and function of the skin is imperative whether dealing with symptomatic relief of photodamage, or considering managing or advising on simple dermatological issues. If we are to treat dermatological skin complaints then further academic study is needed, however we are constantly facing patients with aesthetic dermatological concerns who ask for advice and opinions. This article is designed as a revision aid to review the anatomy and physiology of the skin as it relates to healthy skin, to intrinsic and extrinsic ageing processes, and to the ingredients that are available to us and our patients.
KEY WORDS: Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, keratinocyte, photodamage
Skin is a major part of the integumentary system, along with hair, nails, subcutaneous tissues and various associated glands. The skin comprises three layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous…
