The dermis is located under the epidermis and is about 1.8 mm thick . It is the central part that maintains the firmness and elasticity of the skin, and contains important organs such as sebaceous glands and sweat glands .
Approximately 70% of the dermis is made up of fibers called collagen . These are bound together by elastin fibers , and the gaps between the collagen and elastin fibers are filled with components ( matrix ) such as hyaluronic acid . Additionally, the dermis is dotted with fibroblasts , which produce collagen and elastin fibers. The fibroblasts themselves are also regenerated by division. We will explain each component in more detail later.
Composition of the dermis
The dermis is made up of two layers: the papillary layer and the reticular layer .
Papillary layer
The papillary layer contains capillaries, lymphatic vessels, nerves, etc. It provides nutrients to the basal cells of the epidermis and maintains the structure of the skin.
Reticular layer
This part makes up the majority of the dermis. Fibroblasts produce fibers (proteins), which are an important component of the skin.
Below, we will look at the reticular layer, which makes up most of the dermis, and its components: fibroblasts , collagen fibers , elastin fibers , and matrix .
Collagen Fiber
Collagen fibers make up about 70% of the dermis, and exist in the dermis like a mesh, protecting the skin from external forces (shocks) while giving the skin flexibility and elasticity. They act like springs for the skin.
Elastin Fiber
Elastin fibers act as bundles of collagen fibers. When collagen fibers are bundled by elastin, the dermis becomes elastic like a spring. If the elastin bundles are released, the skin's spring will no longer function properly.
Substrate
The spaces between the meshes of collagen and elastin fibers are filled with a matrix of mucopolysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid , proteins , and vitamins .
1 gram of hyaluronic acid has the moisturizing effect of retaining 6 liters of water.
Fibroblasts
They are scattered throughout the dermis and produce collagen fibers, elastin fibers, and matrix. They also divide themselves and produce new fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are like the mothers of the skin, producing almost all of the dermis.
In addition, fibroblasts also degrade old fibers and components within the matrix.
In order for these fibroblasts to function properly, they need to receive sufficient nutrients from the blood.
Tips: Approaches to keep fibroblasts healthy Fibroblasts are cells involved in tissue repair and regeneration, and their health is important for the health of the body's tissues. Below are some common approaches to keeping fibroblasts healthy. |