The ABC of skin for a cosmetologist (Part 3): the structure of the hypodermis

Knowledge and, most importantly, understanding of the layers and all structural units of the skin – This is a prerequisite for the work of a dermatocosmetologist. Epidermis, dermis and hypodermis – these are three most important layers, each of which has its own structural features. In the previous two articles, estet-portal.com spoke in detail about the epidermis and dermis, and in today's final article we will talk about the structure of the hypodermis – the lowest layer of the skin. What does the hypodermis consist of and what role does it play in the formation of cellulite – find out now.

The structural features of the hypodermis – lower layer of skin

The hypodermis is located directly below the dermis, but there is no clear boundary between these two layers of skin.

The hypodermis is the fat depot of the body and is better known by its middle name – subcutaneous fat.

Its thickness can range from a few millimeters to more than ten centimeters. The thickness of the hypodermis is greatest in the thighs and buttocks, as well as on the palms and feet. But in the area of the red border of the lips and eyelids, it is completely absent, and there is very little hypodermis in the neck. For estheticians, it is important to know the structure of the hypodermis, as it performs a huge number of important functions.

The structure of the hypodermis:

structure of the hypodermis: layers and functions of adipose tissue;
fat cell – the basis of the structure of the hypodermis;
how does the hypodermis affect the formation of cellulite.

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The structure of the hypodermis: layers and functions of adipose tissue

The structure of the hypodermis is very similar to the structure of the dermis: it also contains collagen and elastin, lymphatic and blood vessels, nerve endings, sweat glands and hair roots. However, if in the dermis the collagen and elastin fibers form a network filled with hyaluronic acid, then in the hypodermis this space is filled with adipocytes – fat cells.

Among the most important functions of the hypodermis are the following:

The hypodermis is one of the energy sources for the body;
it contains fat-soluble vitamins;
due to the hypodermis, mobility is provided internal organs of the body and their protection from impacts;
The hypodermis stores water and protects the body from dehydration;
The hypodermis takes part in the synthesis of female sex hormones.

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Fat cell – the basis of the structure of the hypodermis

Adipocyte is the basis of the hypodermis structure – fat cell. In the body of each person, a certain amount of adipocytes is genetically incorporated, which cannot be reduced, but can be easily increased. How does it happen – read on estet-portal.com.

Inside each adipocyte there is a fat droplet, which increases in size when excess fat enters the body, as if stretching the adipocyte itself. The size of the fat drop and, accordingly, the adipocyte, can increase by 27 times. If the fat filling the cell is burned – it will be empty, but it won't shrink, so the adipocyte under certain conditions quickly refills with fat.

Adipocytes themselves do not tend to divide, multiplying in this way. But at a critical level of fat in the body, preadipocytes are activated – "maternal" adipocyte cells that trigger the synthesis of new fat cells.

How does the hypodermis affect the formation of cellulite

For specialists in aesthetic medicine, knowledge of the structure of the dermis is necessary, first of all, to understand the mechanism of formation of such a cosmetic problem as cellulite. As mentioned above, elastin and collagen fibers form a kind of honeycomb in the hypodermis, which are shrouded in nerves and blood vessels. Between them are fat cells-adipocytes.

When cells begin to accumulate fat and increase in size – they become crowded, they begin to stick together and form "lobules". It is these fat lobules that push the walls of the honeycombs, thus deforming the surface of the skin and causing external manifestations of cellulite, which can be eliminated only with the most effective methods.

The structure of the hypodermis – this is the basic information that specialists need to know about the lowest layer of the skin. With this article, we complete the cycle of materials on the structure of the skin and will be grateful for your feedback and comments. Stay with estet-portal.com!