The Different Layers of Your Skin and How to Look After Them

The Different Layers of Your Skin and How to Look After Them

by Sara Hollingworth

If you’ve ever wondered why some products work for your skin and others don’t - don’t worry, you’re not alone! It can be overwhelming trying to digest all of the skincare advice that's thrown at you from every angle. But here’s the truth: the reason your skincare works amazingly for your friend skin but doesn't for you, is simple because it all comes down to understanding the layers of your skin and how they actually work. 

I hear you ask, “but what are the different layers of my skin?”. 

The structure of your skin is made up of three different layers:  

  1. The epidermis layer  
  2. The dermis layer 
  3. The hypodermis layer  

Each layer of your skin plays a different, vital role in ensuring your skin is protected, hydrated and supported. When you understand the basics, finding the right products for your skin and nailing your routine becomes a lot less confusing (and expensive!). 

Let’s break down each layer so you can find the perfect Natio product to help keep your skin looking and feeling its best!  

The Epidermis Layer 

To put it simply, the epidermis layer is the protective outer layer of your skin and the home of your skin barrier.  

This is the surface layer that you can see and feel daily. Within your epidermis layer sits the skin barrier (also known as the stratum corneum) which is made of lipids and proteins that lock in hydration and protect against irritants. Taking care of your skin barrier is honestly one of the best things you can do for your skin, especially as you get older.

When your skin barrier is strong, your skin feels smooth, plump, and calm. When your skin barrier is under stress, you’re more prone to flakey, dull and sensitive skin.  

How Do You Actually Support Your Skin Barrier?  

To support your skin barrier, focus on the basics: use a gentle cleanser, keep your skin well hydrated, look for ingredients that strengthen barrier lipids, wear SPF to prevent damage, and exfoliate 2-3 times a week to keep cell turnover on track.

Products to Use: 

When your skin is looking a little lackluster or feeling sensitive, this is often your epidermis layer singing out for help! 

The Dermis Layer 

The dermis layer of your skin sits beneath the epidermis and is packed with things like collagen, elastin, and blood vessels. These all keep your skin looking lifted and fresh. As we age over time, the dermis layer begins to thin and becomes more vulnerable due to things like sun exposure and other lifestyle factors.  

If your mission is to combat fine lines and maintain “bouncy” looking skin, the dermis layer needs to be your main focus. 

What Should You Do to Support Your Dermis Layer? 

Using sun protection every day, applying restorative, hydrating ingredients at night when your skin goes into “repair mode,” and choosing antioxidant-rich skincare all make a big difference. When you support your dermis with these habits (along with ensuring you get adequate beauty sleep and prioritise H20) you’ll notice fewer visible signs of ageing.

Products to Use: 

The Hypodermis Layer 

The hypodermis layer of your skin is the deepest layer, made up of fat cells and tissue. This layer works to cushion, insulate and work in harmony with the other two layers. While skincare can’t actually penetrate deep enough to reach this layer, what you do on the surface absolutely influences its long term health – especially when it comes to sun exposure.  

How To Protect Your Hypodermis Layer 

Long term sun protection, keeping your epidermis hydrated, and supporting a strong, balanced skin barrier are all essential for healthy skin. Think of it like a cake - you can have beautiful icing and decorations, but it won’t mean much if the cake underneath isn’t solid and delicious!

Products to Use: 

  • Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ - lightweight SPF 50+ protection helps shield the deeper skin layers from long-term UV stress, while keeping the skin's surface comfortable
  • Invisible Mist Sunscreen SPF 50+ - a lightweight SPF 50+ mist specifically designed for easy reapplication throughout the day, helping maintain consistent UV protection across the upper layers of the skin to reduce long term stress on the hypodermis layer

Understanding These Layers to Build a Simple Routine 

Once you understand how your skin is structured, skincare stops feeling like guesswork. You’ll know exactly what each layer needs for long term health and how to respond when your skin is asking for help.

When the epidermis and skin barrier are strong, your skin holds moisture better, irritation is reduced, and your products absorb more effectively; when the dermis is supported, skin looks smoother and firmer, fine lines soften, and recovery improves; and when the hypodermis is protected, skin maintains its natural cushioning over time.

Follow our simple routine using the recommended products above to support all three of your skin's layers:

Morning

  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. Antioxidant-rich serum
  3. Hydrating moisturiser
  4. SPF 50+

Night

  1. Gentle cleanse (double cleanse if wearing makeup or SPF)
  2. Treatment serum to support renewal
  3. Nourishing night cream

Weekly

  • Liquid, chemical exfoliant 2-3 times a week to lift expired skin cells and encourage healthy turnover

Once you understand how the layers of your skin work together, you realise skincare really doesn’t need to be complicated! When you treat your skin barrier as the main character, your routine suddenly feels a lot clearer and way more effective. That’s why at Natio, we keep things simple, using ingredients that harness the power of nature to work with your skin’s layers, not against them.

*Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one component of sun protection. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent use and reapplication in accordance with directions if required for effective sun protection.

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