The cell membranes of both plants and animals are more concerned with cell to cell communication; signaling via receptors and influencing daily metabolic processes by allowing, receiving or blocking passage of certain molecules. “This regulatory ability is one of the most complex and amazing features of the cell membrane”. (The Cell, Kara Rogers, pg. 30). For example, olfactory cells receptors in the nasal passageway receive signals on their cell membrane about a certain type of scent. There are several scent receptors on the membranes of these cells where most are dormant and only activated when the scent is experienced. (Science.howstuffworks.com, Smell). The body also recognizes pleasant and beneficial frequencies from plants which are at the base in the study of essential oils. The cells on the epidermis and throughout the body receive, accept and or reject substances found inside or out of the cell via the extracellular matrix. The key is to have a favorable environment productive for growth and efficient for its metabolism. A daily balanced skin care is at the base of forming a favorable skin care environment.
From its inception, life on earth depended on water found on the atmosphere. To this day water is necessary for optimal metabolic functions and the transport of waste via the interstitial fluids and circulatory system. The start of the cycle arose from photons via the electromagnetic energy of the sun and later absorbed by single cell green algae via photosynthesis and that of developed plants. This provided the starches or food necessary for both humans and animals. Energy therefore is at the source of effective metabolism and how inanimate inorganic particles such as atoms, electrons and protons recombined from water and light energy leading to starches in plants forming organic substances. Everything necessary for mans survival is already found in nature. The complex molecules and specialized substances from nature to this day affect tissues, respiration, oxidation and body repair. Tissues rebuild and breakdown through oxidation for part of metabolism and nature itself provided us with all that we needed to maintain its balance. For example, if the skin is harshly stripped of oils the body signals for more oil production at its surface. This is at the base for the need in balanced skin care and ph that does not disrupt the protective acid mantle.
It’s amazing how beautiful and simple, yet often complex our life cycle leads us back to nature and how important it is for us to appreciate it and care for it. The cell as a small unit is also very simple yet complex for responsible for many specific cellular functions. Its membrane is composed of proteins and fatty-acid based lipids. The lipids are of two types; phospholipids and sterols (a type of cholesterol substance) which dissolves easily in organic solvents while the other region is mainly attracted to water. “This amphiphilic property of having dual attraction, i.e., containing both a lipid soluble and a water soluble region is basic to the role of lipids as building blocks of the cellular membranes…This array of proteins, sterols, and phospholipids is organized into a liquid crystal, a structure that lends itself readily to rapid cell growth.” (The Cell, Kara Rogers, pages 30-35). This also shows the importance on balancing the right type of fats such as omega 6’s, 9’s and omega 3’s in the body. This duality in sided for lipids or water attraction protects the cell and allows or blocks certain types of fluids. Also, note that most organic and natural skin care ingredients are more readily recognized by the body and that water is also needed as a carrier for all beneficial ingredients since the cell membrane is both attracted to water and the many organic molecules to include important proteins and or fatty acids. Skin health as we see is both affected internally from a sound balanced nutrition and topically via a favorable response both in the cellular and extracellular matrix. Plants found on nature have always influenced our skin health. Assisting the epidermis and underlying tissues with balance and recognizable cell membrane signaling is one of the many beneficial roles derived from natural skin care ingredients.
This is part II of the Cell series article and an independent blog. Author Theresa Nielsen Licensed Esthetician and an independent contractor for Mychelle Dermaceuticals.
References:
Dowdey, Sarah. How Smell Works. (2007). Retrieved from http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/human-biology/ smell2.htm
The Cell. (2011). Kara Rogers et al., Britannica Encyclopedia. (First Edition) New York, NY: Britannica Educational Publishing and Rosen Educational Services.
