1. Functions of the Skin & Aging of the Skin

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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