The main cell types are fibroblasts, macrophages and adipocytes (subcutaneous tissue contains 50% of body fat). Fat serves as padding and insulation for the body. Cross-section
Development
Skin colour
Human skin shows high skin colour variety from the darkest brown to the lightest pinkish-white hues. Human skin shows higher variation in colour than any other single mammalian species and is the result of natural selection. Skin pigmentation in humans evolved to primarily regulate the amount of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) penetrating the skin, controlling its biochemical effects.The actual skin colour of different humans is affected by many substances, although the single most important substance determining human skin colour is the pigment melanin. Melanin is produced within the skin in cells called melanocytes and it is the main determinant of the skin colour of darker-skinned humans. The skin colour of people with light skin is determined mainly by the bluish-white connective tissue under the dermis and by the haemoglobin circulating in the veins of the dermis. The red colour underlying the skin becomes more visible, especially in the face, when, as consequence of physical exercise or the stimulation of the nervous system (anger, fear), arterioles dilate.There are at least five different pigments that determine the colour of the skin. These pigments are present at different levels and places. Melanin: It is brown in colour and present in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanoid: It resembles melanin but is present diffusely throughout the epidermis. Carotene: This pigment is yellow to orange in colour.
Diet
Vitamin A, also known as retinoids, benefits the skin by normalizing keratinization, downregulating sebum production which contributes to acne, and reversing and treating photodamage, striae, and cellulite. Vitamin D and analogues are used to downregulate the cutaneous immune system and epithelial proliferation while promoting differentiation. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that regulates collagen synthesis, forms barrier lipids, regenerates vitamin E, and provides photoprotection. Vitamin E is a membrane antioxidant that protects against oxidative damage and also provides protection against harmful UV rays. Several scientific studies confirmed that changes in baseline nutritional status affects skin condition. The Mayo Clinic lists foods they state help the skin: fruits and vegetables, whole-grains, dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. See also
Acid mantle
Anthropodermic bibliopegy
Artificial skin
Callus, thick area of skin
List of cutaneous conditions
Cutaneous structure development
Fingerprint, skin on fingertips
Hyperpigmentation, about excess skin colour
Intertriginous
Meissners corpuscle
Pacinian corpuscle
Polyphenol antioxidant
Skin cancer
Skin lesion
Skin repair

References
External links

 Media related to Human skin at Wikimedia Commons
MedlinePlus Skin Conditions National Library of Medicine retrieved 12 November 2013.