the skin's function

By the end of this module you will understand the following:
• The structure of the skin
• What happens in each layer
• Where skin care products are designed to work.

Transcript

1. the skin’s function By the end of this module you will understand the following: • The structure of the skin • What happens in each layer • Where skin care products are designed to work. © 2020
2. skin’s construction There are 3 distinct layers: 1. epidermis (top layer) 2. dermis (middle layer) 3. subcutis (bottom layer) © 2020
3. epidermis Skin cells and ‘pigment’ are manufactured here. The outer layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum. Deep in the epidermis, skin cells grow and begin a one month journey to the surface. They begin round and plump and remain this way for about 2 weeks. As they near the surface they break down and flatten out. They fill with a tough protein called keratin. When they finally reach the surface they are flat, scaly. The stratum corneum is composed of between 18-23 layers of these flat, dry skin cells that are held together by fatty compounds such as lipids, peptides, ceramides and sebum. Holding this layer together results in great looking skin. The purpose of a skin care regime is to hold this wall together. © 2020
4. epidermis The stratum corneum is easily damaged. This includes sun rays, cleansing agents that are too harsh. As new cells push up to the surface, dead scaly cells slough off. They can also accumulate on the surface and create a dull, flaky appearance. Also in the epidermis are melanocytes which product your skin’s natural pigment-called melanin. Depending on your colouring, you have different levels of melanin production. Darker skin produces more melanin than lighter skin. © 2020
5. dermis The dermis is the middle layer. It contains collagen and elastin which is like a supportive, elastic ‘mattress’ for the epidermal layer. About 95% of the dermis is composed of collagen. Elastin makes up about 3% of the dermis. Elastin is what gives skin tone (meaning skin snaps back into shape if pushed or pulled). Oil glands and hair follicles sit in the dermis. The dermis supports and feeds the epidermis with vitamins, nutrients and chemicals it needs to provide an effective barrier. © 2020
6. subcutis This layer is mainly fat cells and blood vessels as well as nerve cells. It’s depth depends on your body fat %. Thinner people have a thinner layer than bigger people. © 2020
7. how skin should be From 6 months old until puberty your skin functions at its most optimal state. It is a smooth, tight wall bound together by ceramides, and sebum, enough to keep it moist and supple but not too much to create breakouts and dark spots. Water is locked behind this and foreign invaders are blocked. Dead skin cells shed evenly and naturally slough off. Complexion appears smooth and feels smooth. Melanin is dispersed evenly resulting in an even skin tone and new skin cells are perfectly produced resulting in fresh looking skin. Any damage from external sources such as the sun are quickly and easily repaired. From puberty onward the basic functions begin to breakdown. This is why skin care products and regimes are important in preserving your skin’s intended functions. © 2020
8. identify the 3 layers of skin © 2020
9. module self check 1. What is the purpose of our skin? 2. Where are skin care products designed to work? 3. How long does an average, healthy skin cell take to migrate from the dermis to the surface of the skin? 4. What are some of the compounds that hold skin cells together? (4 compounds) © 2020