If you decide to become a beauty therapist, ask for an honest blow by blow account of what is involved before signing up and ensure you understand the level of knowledge that is required to work in the industry. Each system of the body (anatomy and physiology) is studied, so that the therapist can recognise the effects each treatment can have on a client and be able to offer solutions if a reaction occurs.
Understanding the skin system is obviously one that is key as a therapist so I thought I would share some facts with you……if you’re a therapist then this will be easy reading for you, if not my apologies for making you respect your skin and the person performing your skin treatments!
FACTS
- Your skin is the largest living organ of the body, it provides a waterproof covering and is constantly renewing itself.
It consists of 3 layers; epidermis (outer layer), dermis (second layer, true skin) and subcutaneous layer (fat layer)- Your skin produces oil (sebum) to keep your skin soft and supple; when this is combined with sweat a protective acidic layer (acid mantle) is created which stops bacteria from multiplying. So if you’re using a skin care product which strips off the natural oil (e.g. an alkaline such as soap) this is when spots can develop but the skin may also be dry and flaky.
- Your skin absorbs the suns UV rays and stimulates melanin to be produced (tanning), helping protect from damage.
- Your true skin (dermis) contains sensory nerve endings which act as an early warning to protect/alert you to a change and help keep you from harm; it senses heat, cold, pain, pressure and touch.
- Your skin helps to regulate your body temperature, by the capillaries either dilating or constricting the blood flow.
- When you’re cold, a tiny muscle attached to the hair follicle contracts, making the hair stand on end, trapping warm air – you’ll see goosebumps. This in turn triggers the muscular system to make you shiver, since when a muscle moves it produces heat. (clever isn’t it?)
- Your fat layer (subcutaneous) helps to insulate and keep you warm but also helps damage from knocks and bangs.
- Your skin is also one of the body’s excretory organs and gets rid of some toxins by sweating them out.
- Your skin is an indicator of general health and when skin conditions/disorders occur they are usually a sign that something in the body isn’t functioning to its’ optimum levels – don’t ignore it. The image below shows which parts of the face relate to the body organs, so if you notice any change in your skin check what part of your body it relates to and take action.
It consists of 3 layers; epidermis (outer layer), dermis (second layer, true skin) and subcutaneous layer (fat layer)
Conclusions
You only get one skin; when you consider what it is up against every day in terms of pollution, incorrect product use, diet and stress you owe to yourself to look after it. Take a look in the mirror and assess it – what is it that gives you cause for concern? Come and work with a skin specialist and invest time and effort into making your skin condition the best it’s ever been. Don’t try to buy off the shelf; everyones skin is different and one size doesn’t fit all! Love your skin and keep it as youthful as you can for as long as you can.