The Skin

Waterproof layer that covers the outside

of the body

© PDST Home Economics

Structure of the skin
 Structure of the skin
 Made of 2 layers

 The Epidermis - outside

layer

 The Dermis – inner layer

 Thin layer, protects dermis
 Thickest on soles and palms EPIDERMIS
thinnest on eyelids.
 Top made of flat dead cells which
wear off.
 Replaced from a layer of live cell
underneath.
 Bottom layer is the malpighian
layer, contains a pigment called
melanin, give skin colour and
protects skin from UV rays
 Made of connective tissue which Dermis
contains the following:
 Nerves, let us feel temperature,
pain, pressure.
 Blood vessels bring food and oxygen
to skin cells.
 Hair, begins at root grows up the
follicle and seen on surface of body.
 Glands:
Sweat , take sweat from blood
vessels send it to surface of skin.
Oil, make sebum which keeps hair and
skin soft and waterproof
 Adipose tissue
 Deepest layer of the dermis is a
layer of fat cells that insulate the
body.
 This layer is called adipose tissue.
 Some food that is not used by the
body is changed to fat and stored in
these cells
 Functions
 Protects the body
 Excretory organ…gets rid of waste…sweat.
 Temperature control …. sweat, hair, blood vessels.
 Sense organ … touch …. Heat cold pain.
 Makes vitamin D using sunlight.
 For Healthy Skin
 Eat food containing protein, vitamins and minerals.
 Avoid junk food and fat
 Avoid too much sunlight
 Exercise and fresh air
 Drink water.
 Enough sleep
 Avoid smoking and too much alcohol
 Skin Cancer
 Caused by exposure to
sunlight.
 Can be cured if treated in
time.
 High factor suncream
 Sunbathing –not too long
 Wear hat.
 Stay out of midday sun
 Skin Hygiene
 Sweat = salt + water + urea
 The water evaporates using heat from the body but the
salt and urea remain on the skin.
 If not washed off these mixed with sebum and skin cells,
dirt and bacteria block pores stop them working.
 This leads to blackheads, pimples, body odour, infection
and a dirty appearance.
 Acne
 Acne vulgaris…
 Skin disorder….
 Teenagers mainly
 Change in hormones at puberty
lead to increased oil
production
 Block follicles and bacteria
infect them
 Can’t be prevented but can be
controlled
Controlling Acne
 Avoid touching spots….spreads
them
 Avoid squeezing spots …scars
 Wash at least twice a day with
antiseptic soap
 Avoid high fat foods …e.g. chips,
sausages
 Use medication according to
instructions
 Skin Care
Cleanse Remove dead Soap, warm
cells, bacteria, water, friction or
oil, sweat, make- Cleansing lotion.
up, dirt

Tone To close pores. Cool water

Or
Toning lotion

Moisturise To soften skin Moisturiser

and prevent suited to skin
dryness type
 Hair care

 Wash at least once a week

with shampoo that suits your
hair type, use conditioner if
hair is dry.
 Have your own hairbrush, do
not let others use it clean it
regularly.
 Heat damages hair, avoid hot
water, styling devices that
use heat.
 Dandruff
 Harmless.
 Top layer of scalp shed as fine
dust.
 Shampoo often with anti-
dandruff shampoo.
 Rinse out shampoo really well.
 Very bad.. see dcotor
 Hands and Feet
Hands
 Wash often.
 Use rubber gloves for
washing dishes, using
chemicals, dirty work
 Dry well.
 Hand cream protects.
Feet
 Wash daily.
 Dry well.
 Wear well fitting shoes
 Change socks every day
 Cut nails straight across

Nails
 Clean, short, well shaped.
 File from side to centre.
 Avoid biting
 Personal Hygiene
 Wash hands often especially before eating and after
going to the toilet.
 Have a shower once a day either morning (best) or night.
Use warm water soap and friction, rinse well.
 Take particular care to clean feet, groin and armpits as
they sweat and smell more.
 Remove underarm hair to prevent odour.
 Use anti-perspirant after washing.
 Change underwear and socks every day.
 Change and wash outer clothes often.
 Wash hair at least once a week.
 Brush teeth at least twice a day…morning and night.