03/12/2025
Qualities of Skin and Its Structure
By Dr. Ashok Govila
The skin is the largest and one of the most important organs of the human body. It protects us from the
outside world, helps regulate body temperature, supports the immune system, and plays a major role in
our appearance and self-confidence. Healthy skin reflects good overall health, while unhealthy skin
often signals internal imbalance, environmental damage, or poor lifestyle habits.
As Dr. Ashok Govila says,
“Skin is not just what we see in the mirror. It is a living, breathing organ that reflects our physical health,
emotional well-being, and daily habits.”
Understanding the structure and qualities of the skin is the foundation of correct skincare. When people
understand how skin works, they make better decisions about treatments, products, and lifestyle
choices.
1. What Is Skin?
Skin is the outer covering of the body and acts as the first line of defense against harmful elements like
bacteria, pollution, chemicals, and UV rays. The average adult skin weighs about 4–5 kilograms and
covers nearly 1.5 to 2 square meters.
The main functions of skin include:
Protection from infections and injuries
Preventing water loss
Regulation of body temperature
Sensation of touch, pain, heat, and cold
Production of Vitamin D
Controlling oil and sweat
Giving the body its physical appearance
According to Dr. Ashok Govila,
“Healthy skin is not a luxury; it is a necessity for the body to function smoothly and stay protected.”
2. Structure of the Skin
The skin has a three-layer structure. Each layer plays a specific and equally important role.
A. Epidermis – The Outer Layer
The epidermis is the topmost and visible layer of the skin. It protects the body from germs, pollution,
and moisture loss. Even though it is thin, it is extremely strong.
Main functions of the epidermis:
Acts as a protective barrier
Controls skin colour
Prevents dehydration
Produces new skin cells
The epidermis contains important cells such as:
Melanocytes – produce melanin (skin colour pigment)
Keratinocytes – produce keratin for protection
Langerhans cells – fight infections
Most common skin problems such as acne, tanning, pigmentation, dark spots, and dullness originate in
this layer.
Dr. Ashok Govila explains,
“When the epidermis is healthy, the skin automatically looks brighter, smoother, and more even in
tone.”
B. Dermis – The Middle Layer
The dermis lies below the epidermis and is thicker, stronger, and more complex. This is the layer that
gives strength, elasticity, and nourishment to the skin.
It contains:
Blood vessels
Nerve endings
Sweat glands
Oil glands
Hair follicles
Collagen and elastin fibres
The dermis is responsible for:
Skin firmness
Sensitivity to touch and pain
Oxygen and nutrient supply
Youthful appearance
When collagen and elastin weaken, the skin starts showing signs of ageing such as:
Wrinkles
Fine lines
Loose skin
Sagging
Dr. Ashok Govila says,
“Ageing does not begin on the surface. It begins in the dermis, where collagen and elastin slowly start to
weaken.”
C. Hypodermis – The Deepest Layer
This is the lowest layer of the skin, made mainly of fat and connective tissue. It:
Protects internal organs
Stores energy
Regulates body temperature
Adds natural volume and shape to the body
Connects the skin to muscles and bones
Loss of fat from this layer with age results in hollow cheeks, sunken eyes, and thin skin.
3. Main Qualities of Healthy Skin
Healthy skin is not defined by fairness alone. It is defined by balance, strength, texture, tone, and glow.
Dr. Ashok Govila strongly emphasizes,
“Beautiful skin is not about being fair or flawless. It is about being healthy, balanced, and well cared for.”
Let us understand the key qualities of good skin.
1. Smooth Texture
Skin should feel soft and even to the touch. Rough, bumpy, or patchy skin usually indicates:
Dead cell buildup
Poor hydration
Environmental damage
Lack of proper care
2. Even Skin Tone
Healthy skin has a naturally even colour without:
Dark patches
Uneven pigmentation
Redness
Excessive tanning
3. Proper Hydration
Hydrated skin appears:
Plump
Fresh
Youthful
Glowing
Dehydrated skin looks:
Dull
Dry
Tight
Flaky
4. Elasticity
Elastic skin returns to normal shape after stretching. This property depends on:
Collagen levels
Elastin fibres
Proper hydration
Healthy nutrition
Loss of elasticity leads to wrinkles and sagging.
5. Natural Glow
Glow is a sign of:
Good blood circulation
Healthy cell turnover
Balanced oil production
Internal hydration
Dr. Govila explains,
“True glow comes from within the skin, not from makeup on top of it.”
6. Balanced Oil Production
Too much oil leads to acne and clogged pores. Too little oil leads to dryness and irritation. Balanced oil
production is a sign of healthy skin.
7. Low Sensitivity
Strong skin does not react easily to:
Weather changes
Pollution
New skincare products
Highly sensitive skin usually has a weak skin barrier.
4. Different Skin Types
Understanding your skin type is essential for choosing the right skincare routine.
Dr. Ashok Govila says,
“Using the wrong products for your skin type damages your skin faster than using no products at all.”
1. Normal Skin
Balanced oil and moisture
Soft and smooth
Rare breakouts
Even tone
2. Oily Skin
Shiny appearance
Large pores
Frequent pimples
Blackheads
3. Dry Skin
Tight feeling
Flaky texture
Dull look
Prone to fine lines
4. Combination Skin
Oily forehead, nose, and chin
Dry cheeks
5. Sensitive Skin
Redness
Burning sensation
Itching
Easily irritated
5. Skin Renewal Cycle
The skin constantly renews itself. Old dead skin cells shed and new cells come to the surface. This
process is called the cell turnover cycle.
In young adults: around 28 days
With ageing: 40–50 days
Slower renewal leads to:
Dull skin
Rough texture
Pigmentation
Uneven tone
Dr. Ashok Govila explains,
“As the renewal cycle slows with age, medical skin rejuvenation becomes important to maintain
brightness and smoothness.”
6. Role of Collagen and Elastin
Collagen and elastin are the main support proteins of the skin.
They control:
Firmness
Strength
Stretchability
Youthful appearance
After the age of 25, collagen production decreases every year, leading to visible ageing.
Dr. Govila states,
“Collagen is the backbone of youthful skin. Protecting it early is the secret to ageing gracefully.”
7. Factors That Damage Skin Quality
Several internal and external factors affect skin health:
Sun exposure
Pollution
Smoking
Alcohol
Poor sleep
Stress
Hormonal imbalance
Poor diet
Wrong skincare products
Among these, sun damage is the biggest enemy of healthy skin.
8. Importance of Sun Protection
UV rays cause:
Tanning
Pigmentation
Wrinkles
Skin ageing
Skin cancer
Dr. Ashok Govila strongly advises,
“Sunscreen is not optional. It is the most important anti-ageing product for Indian skin.”
9. Role of Nutrition in Skin Health
Healthy skin depends strongly on:
Water intake
Fruits
Vegetables
Protein
Healthy fats
Vitamins A, C, and E
Poor nutrition directly reflects on the skin as:
Dryness
Pimples
Dark circles
Dullness
10. Professional Skin Care and Treatments
Modern dermatology offers advanced solutions for:
Pigmentation
Acne
Ageing
Scars
Dullness
Uneven texture
These treatments work at the epidermal and dermal levels for deeper healing.
Dr. Govila explains,
“Professional treatments work where daily skincare cannot reach. They repair skin at the cellular level.”
Conclusion
The skin is not just the body’s outer covering; it is a powerful organ that protects, heals, and reflects our
inner health. Understanding its structure and qualities helps us care for it in the right way.
Healthy skin is smooth, evenly toned, hydrated, elastic, glowing, and strong. With proper knowledge,
lifestyle habits, sun protection, nutrition, and professional guidance, everyone can maintain beautiful
and healthy skin at every age.
As Dr. Ashok Govila beautifully concludes,
“When you respect your skin, protect it, and care for it correctly, it rewards you with confidence, glow,
and lasting beauty.”
