NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy 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 Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Sensation Acts as a sense organ to detect changes in the environment such as heat, cold, touch, pressure and pain. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Heat regulation Helps to keep body at a constant temperature of 37C by dilation (widening) and constriction (narrowing) of the blood vessels. Sweat evaporation also keeps the body cool. The subcutaneous fat insulates the body. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris 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. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Protection A waterproof coat protects the body against dirt, bacterial infection and chemical attack. Acid mantle pH 5.5 ( made up from sebum and sweat) discourages growth of bacteria and also fungi. The horny layer of the epidermis acts as a filter against bacteria. Melanin in the epidermis protects against damage form ultra violet rays. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Excretion Waste products such as lactic acid, urea and salts are lost through perspiration, however this is only a minor function. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Secretion Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Vitamin D production This occurs due to the reaction of sunlight on the skin producing a chemical reaction. Clare Hargreaves-Norris