Skin is primarily composed of four elements: carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. These elements form long, straight chains with some areas of unsaturation, giving skin its elasticity and strength.
While these four elements are the most abundant, skin also contains small amounts of other elements like phosphorus, iron, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, and chlorine. Trace amounts of numerous other elements may also be present. These elements contribute to various functions of the skin, such as:
- Phosphorus: Involved in cell growth and repair.
- Iron: Essential for oxygen transport and collagen production.
- Sodium: Regulates fluid balance and contributes to skin's moisture.
- Magnesium: Plays a role in cell metabolism and helps maintain skin's barrier function.
- Sulfur: A component of keratin, a protein crucial for skin's structure and strength.
- Calcium: Essential for skin's structural integrity and wound healing.
- Chlorine: Helps maintain fluid balance and supports skin's pH.
The specific proportions of these elements vary depending on factors like age, genetics, and environmental exposures.
