HUMAN ANATOMY OF SKIN
The skin is frequently called “the mirror of the body”. The skin is very elastic, durable and complex. It is the largest organ of the body. The study of the structure, function, and diseases of the skin is dermatology.
A cosmetologists prime task is to help clients acquire and maintain a healthy, attractive skin, not to diagnose skin disorders.
Structure of the skin:
The skin has two main divisions, an outer one called the epidermis and an inner one called the dermis. There is a third layer of subcutaneous fatty tissue. (Subcutaneous means “beneath the skin”).
The epidermis itself is divided into four distinct layers. These are from top to bottom, the cornified layer, the clear layer, the granular layer and the germinative layer.
The cornified layer is the surface layer of the skin. The cells in this layer contain a hard substance called Keratin and the entire surface is covered with a thin film of oil. This layer is very tough and nearly water proof.
The clear layer consists of a thin layer of small cells through which light can pass.
The granular layer contains cells that are nearly dead. These cells looks like granules and are moving toward the surface of the skin. They replace cells in the cornified layer that have been worn away.
The germinative layer lies just above the dermis. In this layer, new cells are continually formed.
Functions of the skin:
The skin has a variety of functions. The most obvious one is to serve as an enclose for all the other organs of the body. Other functions are temperature regulation, protection, absorption, sensation, secretion and excretion.
HUMAN ANATOMY OF HAIR
Hair is an appendage of the skin. Men and women have been concerned about their hair throughout history. Hair has always had great social significance, and even today some people will judge you by the length and style of your hair. Hair offers protection to your body, helps you to look attractive and plays a big part in supporting the billion dollar cosmetic industry of which you have decided to become a part. The scientific study of hair is called Trichology.
Hair has a very practical purpose. In your nose and ears, it keeps foreign bodies from invading you. The hair on your head cushions you from blows and keeps your head warm in winter and cool in summer. Your eyebrows keep sweat from running into your eyes and eyelashes shade the eyes and help to keep dust out.
Hair is composed mainly of a hard chemical substance called Keratin. Hair contains varying amounts of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. Light hair has more oxygen and sulphur, dark hair has more carbon and hydrogen.
Dandruff:
Dandruff is one of the most common scalp disorders. There are two types of dandruff that is dry and oily.
Dry dandruff:
It is easier to control than oily dandruff. Oily dandruff can be itchy. The scales mix with sebum and a difficult to brush out. Medical treatment is usually the only way to control oily dandruff.
HUMAN ANATOMY OF NAILS
Nails like hair, are an appendage of the skin. Neatly trimmed nails of uniform color, whether natural or applied, have always been considered a mark of good grooming. The hair on your head and nails on your fingers and toes seem very different, but infact they are very much alike. Nails also grow somewhat more slowly than hair about ¼ inch per month. Nothing you can apply to the nails will cause them to grow, but a good diet can help produce healthy nails. The technical term for nail is Onyx, and the study of nails called Onychology.
Structure of the nail:
Nails start their growth just under the fold of skin at the point where you see the nail emerging from the flesh. This part of the nail is called the Matrix and is enriched with blood vessels and nerves.
The nails need to be manicured to keep the free edge smooth and well shaped and the cuticle soft and pliable. Some of your clients may insist that they do not need a manicure because they have no nails. They still need a manicure to remove rough edges and thus stop nail biting and picking.
The cuticle protects the nail, but if it is not cared for, it frequently grows forward and covers a large part of the nail plate, especially on the toes. This excessive growth of cuticle is called Pterygium.
Diseases of the nail:
It should be referred to a physician. Do not attempt to treat them in the salon. Fungus of the hands and fungus of the feet commonly called athlete’s food should also never be treated in the salon. Recommend that anyone with signs of infection or contagious disease see a doctor.
