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Anatomy of the Skin
The Dermis
The dermis is located just beneath the epidermis and constitutes approximately 90 percent of the skin's mass. It provides the supporting framework and infrastructure for the skin and is where most of the skin's vital functions take place.
Within the dermis are the sebaceous glands, collagen and elastin, lymph channels and blood vessels.
Collagen and elastin are protein fibers that are responsible for skin's plumpness, elasticity and resilience. These two fibers are created from cells known as fibroblasts, which must function correctly in order for skin to look its best.
Put simply, collagen provides structural support and gives it strength and durability, while elastin gives the skin its resilience and helps maintain its elasticity.
An abundance of elastin means the skin can easily return to its natural shape after being pulled, stretched or folded.
The lymph channels and blood vessels located within the dermis are responsible for transporting fluids containing vitamins, oxygen, chemicals and nutrients that are required to regenerate the epidermis.
(To learn more about the anatomy of the skin, click on the Articles menu to the left.)
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