Skin Talk

So, it's time to talk skin. Understanding how your skin works will help you to jump-start your skincare routine and get out there to do the things you were born to do! We know a thing or two about skin, so tag along with us and we'll make everything clear again.

Body Armour
Your skin is the ultimate defender, an organ that forms a barrier to protect your internal organs against dangers such as bacteria, germs, and harmful sunlight. Your skin also plays a key role by regulating your body temperature. Basically, your skin keeps the inside of your body inside your body, while keeping what's outside of your body outside. And that's a good thing.

It's All About Layers
Dressing in layers is the key to staying warm, and your skin has got that rule knocked. The skin is made up of a thin outer layer (called the epidermis) and a thicker outer layer (called the dermis). Below the dermis is the subcutaneous tissue, which contains fat. And, trust us . . . it's the good kind! The subcutaneous tissue helps to conserve the body's heat while protecting other organs from injury by acting as a "shock absorber."

Buried in the skin are nerves that sense cold, heat, pain, pressure, and touch. The skin's sebaceous glands secrete sebum (say that 10 times fast!), a lubricating substance or oil that provides an effective barrier against the growth of bacteria. Deep within the skin are your sweat glands, which produce perspiration when you are too hot.

Spot Truths
So, now that you're up to speed on your basic skin facts, let's talk spots.

Three factors contribute to the formation of spots:

• Overproduction of oil (sebum)
• Irregular shedding of dead skin cells, resulting in irritation of the skin's hair follicles
• Buildup of bacteria

Spots occurs when oil and dead skin cells block your hair follicles. Each follicle is connected to sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum. Sebum normally travels up along the hair shaft, then out through the opening of the hair follicle, then onto the surface of your skin. When your body produces an excess amount of sebum and dead skin cells, the two can accumulate in the hair follicle and solidify.

Spots are those raised red areas with a white center that develop when blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected. Blockages and inflammation that develop deep inside hair follicles produce lumps beneath the surface of your skin .

Fight Spots
While doctors continue to debate what causes the increased production of sebum that leads to spots, a number of factors - including hormones, bacteria, certain medications and heredity - can play a key role. But, instead of blaming your parents for your challenging skin situation, let us help you put together a new skincare routine or even just grab a few products that will give you your best skin ever.

If you want our expert skincare diagnosis and help setting up a simple and effective routine, check out our Skincare Guide.

How spots form