Through the Skin

 One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. I made this 3D sculpture out of a box and several colored clays. On one side, healthy skin is represented, but on the other burned skin is represented. The epidermis, or outermost layer of skin, serves as a waterproof barrier and is responsible for skin tone. The dermis is the layer of skin underneath the epidermis that contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The hypodermis (deeper subcutaneous tissue) is made up of fat and connective tissue. On the other hand, only the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, is affected by first-degree burns. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and blister-free. As an example, consider a mild sunburn. Long-term tissue damage is uncommon and frequently manifests as an increase or reduction in skin pigmentation.