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SKIN THEORY
The skin is the largest and perhaps most magnificent! organ of the body. It
is simultaneously sensitive and supremely durable and requires special attention
and care to maintain its health, elasticity, color and vibrancy.
The study of the skin, its structure, functions, diseases and treatment is
called dermatology. A dermatologist is a medical skin specialist. As a cosmetol-
ogist, it is important for you to have a basic understanding of skin and the skin care
services offered in the salon. In the skin care industry, esthetics is known as the
process of cleansing, toning, moisturizing, protecting, and enhancing the skin.
The skin, as the largest organ of the body, covers the entire body and protects it from
invasion from outside particles.
Except for the brain, the skin is the most complex organ of the
body. Your skin is continuously working in its own efficient manner as an intermediary between your
body and your environment, performing many functions. The skin and its layers make up the
integumentary (in-teg-U-men-tary) system of the body.
Functions of the Skin
The skin has seven basic functions:
Sensation
Feelings generated by the nerve endings just under the outer layer of the skin make you aware
of heat, cold, touch, pain and pressure. The reaction to a sensation is called a reflex.
Hydration
The skin contains water to keep itself soft and supple. It secretes perspiration and an oily,
sebaceous fluid that maintains the skin's moisture balance.
Absorption
The skin permits certain substances like water and oxygen to pass through its tissues.
Regulation
The skin helps maintain the body's temperature.
Protection
The skin shields your body from the direct impact of heat, cold, bacteria and other aspects of
the environment that could be detrimental to your health.
Excretion
The skin eliminates sweat, salt and wastes from the body, therefore helping remove toxins from
the internal systems.
Respiration
The skin takes in oxygen through its pores and releases carbon dioxide.
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THE STUDY OF SKIN
