1. NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy
Functions of the Skin
NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy
Clare Hargreaves-Norris

2. There are 7 main functions of the skin and these are:
Sensation
Heat regulation
Absorption
Protection
Excretion
Secretion
Vitamin D production
Clare Hargreaves-Norris

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

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