THE SKIN IS THE LARGEST ORGAN OF THE BODY. IT'S MADE UP OF THREE LAYERS.
The epidermis or outer layer has the thickness of paper and it, too, contains several layers: The stratum corneum or horny layer which sheds regularly, and the granular, spinous, and basal layers.

•   In the basal layer, the melanocyte cells are found which produce melanin, the natural tanning compound of our human bodies. When these cells are stimulated by the sun's (ultra) rays, they react to produce melanin which darkens the complexion providing natural protection from sunlight. The incidence of these cells and the intensity of the melanin determine the darkness of the skin both normally and after exposure to the sun.

The dermis is the next major layer. It's 25 to 40 times thicker than the epidermis. It contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and connective tissues. This tissue contains fibers, collagen and elastin; and these give skin its elasticity and its bounce. As a person ages, these disappear, a process that can be accelerated through unprotected exposure to the Sun. Compare the robustness and elasticity of a baby's skin to the skin of an older person.

The deepest layer of the skin is the subcutaneous. It too contains blood vessels, connective tissue and fat cells. This layer holds body heat and protects against impact injury. Its primary purpose is to deliver nutrition to the other layers.