You’ll find here definitions of the main terms used in dermo-cosmetics.
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The canopy is the upper most layer of the forest, that is to say the tree tops. The word canopy, a recent invention, became essential within the framework of the ecological study of tropical rain forests, when researchers introduced specific means to explore them. Situated at several tens of metres, the canopy forms an upper stratum a few metres thick where over 80% of the trees' foliage can be found. It is where the majority of the solar energy is captured (more than 95%) and that 30% of the precipitation is absorbed by the foliage. A particular and abundant fauna can also be found there.
This fibrous protein is one of the main constituents of the dermis. Its role ensures mechanical resistance and the firmness of the dermis.
Protein fibre in the shape of a spring that forms one of the main constituents of the dermis, giving the skin its elasticity and suppleness.
It is the superficial layer of the skin. Highly organised, this layer of keratinocytes is constantly renewed ensuring the protection of the organism against external aggressions.
Essential fatty acids are those that are not produced by the body and therefore need to be obtained from food or topically (by applying cosmetic creams).
Sometimes called suppport tissue, this cell from the conjonctive tissue is responsible for the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
Protective film that covers the whole surface of the skin. Composed of substances from secretions (sweat, sebum...), it is responsible of the quality of the external aspect of the skin and its protection.
It is a particular skin structure from which hairs are born. They can be found over the entire skin, except for the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. At the hair follicle, one or several sebaceous glands and an arrector pili muscle, which causes the hair to stand on end, can be found.
The accumulation of sugars in the tissues in quantities that are too high leads to the formation of bridges between the collagen fibres. This generates a stiffening which alters the supporting tissue.
Fibrous protein which confers to the keratinocytes and therefore the epidermis its protective function.
These are the most abundant cells of the epidermis. Their evolution process, called keratinization, leads to the formation of the corneous layer of the epidermis.
Maturation and differentiation process of keratinocytes, leading to the transformation, in successive stages, of the basal cells into corneocytes, dead cells, superficial and desquamatory. During this epidermal differentiation, the keratinocyte loses its nucleus, fills with keratin and fabricates the intercorneocytory cement.
The hypodermis and the dermis possess a highly developed blood network. The blood vessels in the layers reach the size of capillaries and ensure the essential functions:
- Regulation of body temperature
- Nutrition of all the skin components
- Draining of waste
- Defence of the organism against aggressions
Natural evaporation of water through the dermis and the epidermis.
These are highly reactive atoms or molecules that lead to chain reactions. In the organism, there are numerous and necessary sources of free radicals and their effect are made up for by natural antioxidants (vitamins E and C...). Free radicals only become dangerous when their levels increase following exposure to external pollutants (sun, alcohol, tobacco, pollution...) or if the supply of antioxidants becomes insufficient. Causing DNA lesions, modifying the proteins and attacking the cell membranes, they play a very important role in skin ageing.
Sebum is a lipid film secreted by the sebaceous glands that protects the skin from microbes by acidifying it and ensuring a certain impermeability. It guarantees skin suppleness. Whilst an excess of sebum causes imperfections, the lack of sebum is uncomfortable for dry skin.
