Functions of the Skin & Aging of the Skin

Functions of Skin To better understand the problems involved in cleansing and proper skin care, we must first look at the skin itself The skin is an organ that protects our body from invasion It, next to the brain, is the most complex organ of the body Our skin is continuously working in its own efficient manner to act as an intermediary between our bodies and our environment, performing many functions

Functions of the Skin The principal functions of the skin Protection Sensation Heat regulation Excretion Secretion Absorption Respiration

Protection Skin protects the body from Injury Bacterial invasion Heat, cold Environment Outermost layer of the epidermis Covered w/ thin layer of sebum, which renders it waterproof Resistant to wide variations in temperature & minor injuries & chemically active substances

Sensation Stimulation of sensory nerve endings Skin responds to heat, cold, touch, pressure & pain & pleasurable sensations When stimulated a message is sent to the brain Acts with lightening speed, to enable us to react You respond by saying Ouch – pain Scratching – itch Pulling away – something hot Sensory nerve endings located near hair follicles

Heat Regulation Skin protects the body from the environment Healthy body maintains a constant internal temperature of 98.6 Maintains its inside temperature no matter what the temperature may be outside the body Blood and sweat glands make adjustments to allow body to be cooled by the evaporation of sweat

Excretion Perspiration from the sweat glands is excreted through he skin Water lost through perspiration takes salt & other chemicals with it Eliminates sweat, salt and wastes from the body

Secretion Sebum , or oil, is secreted by the sebaceous glands The oil lubricates the skin, keeping it soft & pliable Keeps the hair soft Emotional stress can increase the flow of sebum By containing water to keep the skin soft and supple, and by discharging perspiration and the oil,, sebaceous material that is the skin’s best lubricant

Absorption Limited, but it does occur It permits certain substance to pass through its tissues Female hormones, when used as an ingredient of a face cream, can enter the body through the skin & influence it Fatty materials, such as lanolin creams, are absorbed largely through hair follicles & sebaceous gland openings

Respiration To a small extent, the skin breathes Exhales carbon dioxide Eliminates other unwanted gases

Aging of the Skin The process that takes many years & can be influenced by many different factors Factors like the sun, the environment, health habits, & general lifestyle Heredity has little to do with the overall process

Sun & its Effects UV rays have the greatest impact on how our skin ages Approx. 80 to 85% of our aging is caused by the rays of the sun As we age, the collagen & elastin fibers naturally weaken If skin is frequently exposed to UV rays without protection this process is faster

UVA rays UVA rays also called the “aging rays” 90 to 95% of the sun’s UV rays reach the earth’s surface This weakens collagen & elastin Causing wrinkling & sagging in tissues

UVB rays Also referred to as the”‘burning rays” Cause tanning by affecting the melanocytes These cells of the epidermis are responsible for producing melanin, the skin pigment Melanin is designed to help protect the skin from UV rays but can be altered or destroyed if too much UV rays penetrate the skin UVB is not as deep as UVA, but are equally damaging to the skin and can damage the eyes as well On a positive note, UVB rays contribute to the body’s synthesis of Vitamin D & other important minerals UVB rays

Advise Clients on Sun Exposure All sunscreen should be full or broad spectrum to filter out UVA & UVB Check expiration dates on bottles Avoid exposing children younger than 6 month Wear a hat & protective clothing when outdoors Redheads susceptible to sun damage See a dermatologist for checkups if any changes in coloration, size or shape of a mole are Wear moisturizer or protective lotion w/ sunscreen SPF 15% or higher Avoid hours between 10 am and 3 pm Apply sunscreen after swimming or any activities that result in heavy perspiration Apply periodically throughout the day as a precaution Self –examinations of moles on your bodies for changes

Skin Aging & the Environment Changes in our environment greatly influences of aging Pollutants in the air From factories Automobile exhaust Secondhand smoke Best defense against pollutants Good daily skin care routine Routine washing & exfoliating at night to remove the buildup pollutants Application of daily moisturizer, protective lotions & foundation products help to protect the skin

Aging & Lifestyle What we choose to put into our bodies also has a profound effect on the overall aging process Smoking & tobacco Cause cancer, linked to premature aging and wrinkling of the skin Nicotine causes contraction & weakening of the blood vessels & small capillaries, causing decreased circulation of the tissues Skin will appear yellowish or gray in color & dull in appearance

Aging & Lifestyle Drinking Taking drugs Opposite yet equally damaging effect on the skin Heavy or excessive intake causes over-dilated blood vessels & capillaries Can cause them to burst if excess usage continues Causes a constant flush appearance & red splotches in the whites of the eyes Dehydrate the skin by drawing essential water out of the tissues, which causes the skin to appear dull & dry Taking drugs Drugs interfere w/ the body’s intake of oxygen, thus affecting healthy cell growth Aggravate serious skin conditions, such as acne Others can cause dryness & allergic reactions on the skin’s surface

Aging & Lifestyle Making poor dietary choices Smoking & drinking contributes to the aging process on their own, but the combination of the two can be devastating to the tissues Fatty foods Drugs Proper diet It is very difficult for the skin to adjust & repair itself Damage done by these lifestyle habits is hard to reverse or diminish

Summary The old adage “ a stitch in time “…is not corny, after all, for with care and a good daily program of maintenance of the skin, we can help ourselves and our clients in the salon to have and keep beautiful skin