Layers of the Skin

1. Epidermis (Outer Layer of the Skin)
VISAGE Training Centre for
Hair, Fashion and Beauty
FIRST 2 LAYERS OF THE EPIDERMIS
Barrier against bacteria Barrier against light, heat, water
Cells are flat and dead
Cells continually
Stratum Corneum being shed and
Cells are filled
First layer of the epidermis replaced.
with keratin
Keratinocytes are arranged in the skin like the bricks in a wall.
Made up of clear
flat cells
Stratum Lucidum This layer is only found
in the soles of the
Second layer of the epidermis feet and palms of the hand
Contains a clear
Substance ‘eleiden’
which becomes keratin
Eleiden is translucent, hence the name lucidum which means clear
WRBCS305A Apply knowledge of Skin Biology to Beauty Therapy Treatments
Lesson 2_Element 1.2-1.3

2. Functions of the Skin
VISAGE Training Centre for
Hair, Fashion and Beauty
PROTECTION & EXCRETION
First two of six
• The stratum corneum is the protective layer of the skin
• The skin protects against all external elements
• Protection against water loss, heat and harsh soaps.
• Keeps the blood supply away from the surface
PROTECTION
where bacteria can enter.
• The surface layer of the skin is important to understand, this
layer reflects good skin care products, moisturisers etc.
• Excretion takes place through glands in the skin.
• Two major glands are sebaceous (sebum/oil) or
the sweat glands (perspiration).
• The glands of the skin allow the body to lose heat
EXCRETION
and water when it is needed.
• The glands allow the loss of certain salts and
wastes from the body.
WRBCS305A Apply knowledge of Skin Biology to Beauty Therapy Treatments
Lesson 2_Element 1.2-1.4

3. Glands
VISAGE Training Centre for
Hair, Fashion and Beauty
Sebaceous Gland
Excretes sebum (oil) through the mouth of
the hair follicle.
The Sweat Gland
Two types of sweat glands
Eccrine (all over body)
Apocrine (soles and palms)
Excreted through the sweat pore.
Controlled by the automatic nervous
System.
Further reading Page10-18
Of Learner Guide
WRBCS305A Apply knowledge of Skin Biology to Beauty Therapy Treatments
Ref: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/anatomy/skin/ Lesson 2_Element 1.2-1.4

4. VISAGE Training Centre for
Hair, Fashion and Beauty
Eccrine Sweat Gland
• Found on the soles of the feet and palms of the hand
• 3 million sweat glands on a human
• Consists of two sections, secretory and tubular.
• Present in the hypodermis.
• Sweat contains sodium, potassium, chloride, lactate, urea and ammonia.
• Eccrine sweat production provides thermoregulation and excretion.
Apocrine Sweat Gland
• Apocrine sweat glands are connected to the pilosebaceous
unit the same way as the sebaceous glands. Don’t have
separate opening.
• More concentrated glands in the under arm area.
• Have a secretory coil and excretory duct.
• Glands are large but secretion is small
• Contains protein (eccrine does not)
Further reading Page10-18
WRBCS305A Apply knowledge of Skin Biology to Beauty Therapy Treatments
Of Learner Guide Lesson 2_Element 1.2-1.4