Get to Know the True Subject of Skincare — Your Skin

It may surprise you to learn that the skin is the largest organ in the human body. For an adult, it covers an area of about 1.5 to 2 square meters and serves as our first line of defense. It protects us from harmful bacteria, viruses, and environmental toxins, while also preventing excessive moisture loss from the body.

The skin is composed of three main layers:

·       Epidermis – The outermost layer that acts as a protective barrier against the environment.

·       Dermis – Contains collagen and elastin fibers, giving the skin its strength, elasticity, and resilience.

·       Subcutaneous tissue – The deepest layer that connects the skin to muscles and acts as a cushion to absorb physical impact.

Most skincare products work on the epidermis, which itself has five sub-layers:
From outermost to innermost — the stratum corneum, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum, and basale. The basal layer is the foundation of cell renewal, where new skin cells are generated. These cells gradually migrate upward, dying and flattening into nucleus-free “bricks” that form the stratum corneum — our skin’s protective wall.

There’s no need to feel uneasy about this process — it’s a natural and essential form of metabolism. Healthy skin with a well-formed stratum corneum appears smooth, even-toned, soft to the touch, and is highly resilient to external threats.

So, if skin is this advanced, why do we still need skincare products?

The answer lies in evolution and modern living. As humans evolved and lost most of their body hair, our skin became more exposed and vulnerable. In dry conditions, we need to replenish lost moisture and oils. When the skin barrier is damaged, it needs repair and nourishment.

In the modern world, while we’re no longer working in harsh outdoor conditions, our skin has not evolved to match this gentler environment. In fact, the natural shedding of the stratum corneum slows down, leading to dead cell buildup — especially problematic for acne-prone skin, as it can clog pores and worsen breakouts. This is why gentle exfoliation becomes necessary.

Of course, these are only the basic needs. Today’s skincare goes far beyond — supporting functions like anti-aging, brightening, calming, and barrier repair.

Your skin works hard for you every day. Skincare is how you support it in return.