The top layer of the skin is the epidermis layer made up of epithelial cells and this layer has no blood vessels. This layer contains pigment which gives skin its color. Under this layer is the dermis layer of skin which contains many blood vessels nerve endings and glands. The bottom of the glands are seated in the subcutaneous layer which is just below the dermis layer and this layer conects the skin to underlying muscle and fat. The sudoriferous or sweat glands are tube like structures that are coiled and secret a mixture of water and salt to openings in the epidermis layer of the skin in an effort to help regulate body temperature. As we age this process of hydrating the skin breaks down and we get dry sensitive skin which may require moisturizer therapy. Another type of gland seated in this subcutaneous layer is the sebaceous gland that secretes sebum an oily substance onto hair follicles. This process also helps hydrate the skin in an effort to avoid dry sensitive skin.The regulation of body temperature is one of the primary functions of the skin and as we age this function diminishes. We gradually lose some of our glands and this also contributes to this loss of hydration. It is the hydrating effect that keeps the skin soft and supple. The use of moisturizers is very effective in improving the hydrating effect of the skin. Moisturizers generally have two functions they hydrate the skin directly and they prevent the skin from losing moisture. There are many commercial moisturizers available but you can also find many home made recipes for moistu
rizers online. You should always apply a moisturizer after bathing and patting the skin dry so the skin still retains a bit of moisture from bathing. If you wash your hands a lot it is always a good idea to apply a moisturizer after doing so so your hands will not dry out.