Facial skin functions
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Transcript of Facial skin functions
Clare Hargreaves-Norris
Functions of the Skin
NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy
Clare Hargreaves-Norris
There are 7 main functions of the skin and these are:
Sensation Heat regulation Absorption Protection Excretion Secretion Vitamin D production
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Sensation
Acts as a sense organ to detect changes in the environment such as heat, cold, touch, pressure and pain.
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Heat regulation
Helps to keep body at a constant temperature of 37C by dilation (widening) and constriction (narrowing) of the blood vessels. Sweat evaporation also keeps the body cool. The subcutaneous fat insulates the body.
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Absorption
The skin has a limited amount of absorption properties. It can absorb certain particles that are small enough to be absorbed such as female hormones, nicotine patches, ingredients within facial preparations etc.
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Protection
A waterproof coat protects the body against dirt, bacterial infection and chemical attack.
1. Acid mantle pH 5.5 ( made up from sebum and sweat) discourages growth of bacteria and also fungi.
2. The horny layer of the epidermis acts as a filter against bacteria.
3. Melanin in the epidermis protects against damage form ultra violet rays.
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Excretion
Waste products such as lactic acid, urea and salts are lost through perspiration, however this is only a minor function.
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Secretion
Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands.
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Vitamin D production
This occurs due to the reaction of sunlight on the skin producing a chemical reaction.