Skin anatomy and skin types
The three skin layers the acid mantle and skin conditions
The skin is the body's largest organ, and as a cosmologist you work with it every single day. If you are to choose the right treatment and the right products, it is crucial that you understand how the skin is structured and how it protects itself. It is also the basis for being able to see when something is outside what you are allowed to treat.
§The three skin layers
The skin consists overall of three layers, each with its own structure and function. They lie on top of each other and work together to protect the body, regulate temperature, and give the skin its strength and appearance.
| Layer | Build-up | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Epidermis (outer skin) | Multiple layers of skin cells at the top a protective horn layer | Protects against the outside world and renews itself continuously |
| Dermis (inner skin) | Connective tissue with collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerves, hair and gland structures | Provides skin with strength, elasticity and sensation, approximately 15–40 times thicker than epidermis |
| Hypodermis (subcutaneous layer) | Predominantly fatty tissue | Insulates, cushions and stores energy |
§The acid layer protects the skin
The skin's surface is covered with the acid mantle — a thin, protective film of sebum from the sebaceous glands mixed with sweat and amino acids. The skin is normally slightly acidic with a pH around 4.5-5.5, and this acidic balance helps keep unwanted bacteria and other microorganisms at a distance and protects against wind, pollution, and drying out.
§Skin types and skin conditions
- 01Normal skin – well-balanced moisture and sebum level
- 02Dry skin — lacks moisture and/or fat, can tighten and flake
- 03Oily skin — overproduction of sebum, often with tendency to blemished skin
- 04Combined skin — oily in the T-zone, drier on the cheeks
- 05Sensitive skin — reacts easily with redness itching or irritation
- 06Skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, pigment changes, and signs of skin aging
§Permanent and periodic anomalies
Part of what you must be able to do as a beautician is to distinguish between periodic anomalies — temporary or recurring conditions such as an outbreak of poor skin — and permanent anomalies, which are more lasting skin changes. Based on this you assess whether you can treat, whether you should adjust the treatment or whether the customer should be referred further. This is directly linked to one of the professional objectives in the apprenticeship order where the apprentice must be able to identify contraindications based on knowledge of skin types and conditions.
“You cannot choose the right treatment before you understand what you are looking at.”