Skincare Services: Ntroduction
Skincare Services: Ntroduction
Skincare Services: Ntroduction
2
Services
Introduction
A Beauty Therapist is a professionally trained
individual, who specialises in beauty and wellness
services, and offers services from head to toe in order to
improve a person’s overall appearance. The therapist
performs skincare, make-up, depilation, manicure
and pedicure services.
The person must have knowledge of beauty and
Do you know? wellness, safety and hygiene standards to be followed
Skin is the largest organ in a salon, beauty products, and a range of beauty
of the human body. services that are available in market.
On an average, adults
This Unit gives an insight into anatomy and
have around 8 pounds
(3.6 kg) and 22 sq ft physiology of the skin and skincare services that are
of skin. performed by the Beauty Therapist, such as cleansing,
application of toners and skin fresheners, application of
moisturisers, and bleaching.
In order to provide effective skincare services, the
person must have knowledge about the basic anatomy
and physiology of the skin. The students will also learn
to identify the skin type. A make-up must be suggested
based on a client’s skin type. The students must also
understand the effects of voluntary movements of face,
neck and shoulder muscles.
Session 1: Anatomy and Physiology
of the Skin
The Beauty Therapist needs to be aware of the basic
anatomy and physiology of the skin in order to provide
effective skincare services. ‘Skin’ is the protective or outer
covering of the body. It is a waterproof, insulating shield,
guarding the body against extremes of temperature,
sunlight and harmful chemicals.
Skin: The skin acts as a protective shield for the body. The
Beauty Therapist needs to be aware of the basic anatomy and
physiology of the skin in order to provide effective skincare
services to clients.
Anatomy: It refers to the structure of the human body and the
relationship of different body parts with each other.
Physiology: It is the study of the function of different body parts
and the body as a whole.
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Keratinocytes
Keratinocytes become more mature or differentiated
and accumulate keratin as they move outwards.
They eventually fall or rub off. A specialised structure
lies between the epidermis and dermis. It includes
various protein structures, linking the basal
layer of keratinocytes to the basement membrane
(hemidesmosomes) and the basement membrane to the
underlying dermis (anchoring fibrils). The basement
membrane ensures that the epidermis sticks firmly to
the underlying dermis.
Melanocytes
These are found in the basal layer of the epidermis. These
cells produce a black-coloured pigment called ‘melanin’,
which is responsible for skin pigmentation. Melanin
is packaged into small parcels called ‘melanosomes’,
which are then transferred to keratinocytes. Melanin
protects the skin against ultraviolet rays.
Melanocytes
Epidermis
Merkel cells
These are found in the basal layer of the epidermis.
Special immune-histochemical stains are needed
to visualise merkel cells, which are also known as
‘merkel-ranvier cells’ or ‘tactile epithelial cells’. These
are oval-shaped mechanoreceptors necessary for light
touch sensation and found in the skin of vertebrates.
However, their exact role and function is not understood.
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Dermis
It is the fibrous connective tissue or supportive layer of
the skin. It lies below the epidermis. It contains blood
capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles,
and other structures. Dermis consists of collagen and
elastin fibre.
Hair shaft
Collagen and
elastin fibre
Dermis
Sebaceous glands
Sweat gland
Hair follicle
Collagen fibre
This type of fibre predominates
the dermis. Collagen fibre has
enormous tensile strength and
provides the skin with strength
and thickness. Collagen bundles Collagen
are small in the upper or papillary
dermis and form thicker bundles Fibroblast
Elastin
in deeper or reticular dermis.
Elastin fibre
It provides elasticity and pliability
to the skin. Fig. 2.5: Collagen fibre of the skin
Collagen and elastin fibre are
bound together by mucopolysaccharide gel, in which
nutrients and wastes can diffuse into and form other
tissue components. The dermis also contains nerves,
blood vessels, epidermal adnexal structures, tissues
and cells.
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Hypodermis or subcutis
It is a layer that lies below the dermis. It is also called
‘subcutaneous tissue’, ‘hypodermis’ or ‘panniculus’.
Subcutis mainly consists of fat cells (adipocytes),
nerves and blood vessels. The fat cells are organised
into lobules, which are separated by structures called
‘septae’, which contain nerves, larger blood vessels,
fibrous tissue and fibroblasts. Fibrous septae may form
dimples in the skin (cellulite).
Deep wrinkle
Epidermis
Dermis
Hypodermis
Protection
Skin protects the body from injury, heat, radiation,
chemicals and microorganisms. Due to constant
shedding of ‘stratum corneum’, it acts as a mechanical
barrier and does not allow organisms to stay or penetrate
Thermo regulation
The skin also serves as a temperature regulator,
enabling the body to adapt to different temperatures
and atmospheric conditions by regulating moisture
loss. This is done by controlling the secretion of sweat
by sweat glands followed by evaporation of sweat from
the surface of the skin.
Hormone synthesis
An active form of vitamin D is synthesised in the skin in
the presence of sunlight.
Excretion
Through the secretion of sweat and sebum, the skin
performs excretory function, eliminating a number of
harmful substances resulting from metabolic activities
of the intestine and liver.
Immunological role
The skin plays immunological role too as the langerhans
cells pick antigens from the skin and carry them to the
lymph nodes.
Sensory function
The skin has an intricate network of fine nerve terminals
between epidermal cells and specialised nerve endings
in the dermis and around cutaneous appendages.
These nerve endings carry the sensation of touch, pain,
temperature, wetness and itchiness.
Activity 1
Group discussion on the basic knowledge that a Beauty
Therapist must have as regards to the anatomy of skin.
Material required: notebook and pen
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Notes Procedure
Activity 2
The anatomical structure of the skin is given below. Label the
parts of the skin.
C. Subjective Questions
1. Name the three layers of the skin.
2. List five functions of the skin.
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Notes external factors determine the condition of the skin,
such as climate, pollution, medication, stress and
hereditary factors.
Normal skin
‘Normal’ skin is balanced. It is neither too dry nor too
oily. The overall sebum and moisture content in such
a skin is balanced but the T-zone (forehead, chin and
nose) may be slightly oily. It is the rarest skin type.
Therefore, it is important to take care of one’s skin and
keep oneself hydrated always.
How to identify
• Normal skin is healthy, soft and has a
translucent glow.
• It does not have any mark or blemish.
• It has fine pores.
• There is adequate blood circulation in such a skin.
• Such a skin is not prone to sensitivity.
• The pH of such a skin is 5.5–5.8.
Dry skin
Dry skin produces less sebum than normal skin.
As a result, the skin lacks lipids required to retain
moisture and builds a protective shield against external
influences. Dry skin is because of lack of lubrication
from the sebaceous glands.
How to identify
• Dry skin can feel tight and rough, and looks dull.
• Such a skin has fine lines near the eyes and
mouth. Elderly women having dry skin have
prominent wrinkles and facial lines.
• It slowly loses elasticity with age.
• It is sensitive to irritation, rashes and infections.
• It is itchy if not moisturised regularly.
• The soles of the feet of people having dry skin
develop cracks.
Oily skin
Oily skin is the result of clogging of sebaceous glands,
causing sluggish blood circulation. Such a skin has
Combination skin
This type of skin is common. The skin type varies in
the T-zone and cheeks. An oily T-Zone and dry cheeks
indicate combination skin.
How to identify
• It is characterised by an oily T-zone.
• The skin has large pores in the T-zone.
Matured Skin
It is somewhat similar to dry skin in appearance. It
appears parched, saggy and dehydrated. The skin has
deep lines.
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Notes Step 1: Inform the client about the steps to be
performed as part of skin analysis.
Step 2: Cover the client’s eyes with cool and wet
cotton pads.
Step 3: Now, look at the client’s skin on the face and
neck, using a magnifying glass in order to
determine the skin type, skin conditions and
the course of treatment.
Step 4: Slightly stretch small section of the skin using
middle and index fingers.
Step 5: Cleanse the skin by following the recommended
procedure.
Skincare techniques
There are three important skincare techniques —
cleansing, application of toners and skin fresheners,
and moisturising.
Cleansing
Cleansing is a common beauty treatment offered by
most beauty salons. It is done to remove impurities
accumulated in the skin pores. Cleansing lotion, gel
or milk can be used for deep cleansing. Cleansing cream
is used for cleansing and removing make-up. The cream
melts as soon as it comes in contact with the skin,
thus, allowing it to penetrate into the pores for deep
cleansing. The cream also prevents the occurrence
of blackheads.
Moisturising
Moisturisers are used to keep the skin soft and supple.
These are made up of Normalising Moisturising Factor
(NMF) ingredients. Moisturisers delay wrinkle formation.
Skin cells
The formation of skin cells takes place in the bottom of
the epidermis. Gradually, the cells move to the surface,
where they die. In this way, dead cells are continually
shed away from the skin. In old age, this process slows
down and dead cells start forming a layer instead of
shedding. This, in turn, slows down the process of skin
regeneration. Dryness increases, which leads to the
formation of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging of the skin.
Age spots
These are caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight and
can be brown, black or gray in colour. Aging leads to
increase in melanin, which causes skin pigmentation,
leading to age spots. Fig. 2.8: An age spot on the skin
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Notes Bruising of the skin
The skin consists of three layers — epidermis, dermis
and hypodermis or subcutis, which get thinner with
age. The blood vessels, therefore, are prone to injury
as they lose insulation and protection provided by
the skin.
Formation of wrinkles
Aging leads to decrease in the production of skin
proteins — collagen and elastin, which are essential for
younger and healthy skin. Collagen provides firmness
and strength, while elastin provides flexibility and
resilience to the skin. The reduced production of proteins
leads to sagging of the skin and wrinkle formation.
However, beauty therapies, such as red light therapy,
LED, high frequency, etc., help activate collagen and
elastin production.
Dry skin
The skin gets dryer with age. As the number of oil
producing glands decreases, there is a loss of fat and
moisture, resulting in thinning of the skin. Even the
skin type changes from oily to normal to dry. Besides,
soaps, hot or cold temperatures, and use of some beauty
products may further make the skin dryer.
Shrinking of muscles
Muscles also age and lose their tone with time. Facial
skin and skin at the neck are attached to muscles.
The shrinking of muscles makes signs of aging more
apparent and the entire face starts to sag with age.
Bone loss
Our face is supported by various bones, such as brow
bone, nose, jawline and chin. With age, the skins under
the eyes, around the nose, mouth and cheeks sag, and
the jawline becomes less distinct due to bone loss.
Many go for filler and botox treatments in order to get
a younger looking face and skin. But these treatments
are expensive and done only by specialists.
Clay mask
The main ingredient of such a mask is natural clay,
which has a deep cleansing effect on the skin. The
mask draws the impurities on the surface of the skin
while drying. It unclogs the pores and tightens the
skin. It is best for people with normal to oily skin
as it absorbs excess oil without stripping the skin of
natural oils. Fig. 2.10: Clay mask
Peel-off mask
It, generally, comes in gel, plastic or paraffin
sub-types. Such a mask does not absorb as much oil
and dirt as clay mask. Peel-off mask is mainly used
for tightening the skin and promoting blood
circulation. It works best for mature and dry skin as
it hydrates and nourishes the skin.
Fig. 2.11: Peel-off mask
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Cream mask
It is ideal for people with normal to dry skin as it
rejuvenates the skin by moisturising it. Cream mask
has emollient or softening properties that make the
skin soft.
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• Apply wet and cool eye pads over the eyes.
• Time the mask from this point and leave it to rest
for 10 to 20 minutes.
• After the time is over, discard the eye pads and
use a clean and damp sponge to soften the
dried mask.
• Wipe the mask with firm upward finger
movements.
• After it is removed, tone and blot the skin, and
apply a moisturiser.
Blackhead removal
Blackheads are a type of mild acne, which get clogged
with dirt, oil and sebum. The melanin further oxidises
with these impurities, causing the surface to appear
dark or even black. They can appear on the face, neck,
shoulders or even back. The main reasons of blackheads
Fig. 2.18 (a): Blackhead
are dead skin cells not shedding naturally, changes in
the hormone level, medication, acne-causing bacteria,
excess oil production in the skin, etc.
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Skin warming or facial steaming
Facial steaming is also known as ‘skin
warming’. Steaming has multiple benefits
on the skin as natural oils flow freely into
the skin, thereby, preventing the pores
from getting clogged.
Benefits
• The skin becomes more receptive to
skin treatments, such as application
of masks, serums, etc., after steaming.
• Steaming increases blood circulation
Fig. 2.21: Skin warming using hot water steam in the face.
• It helps remove toxins from the skin
through perspiration.
• It softens the dirt clogged inside the
pores for easy removal.
• Steaming helps in relaxing as the skin
becomes free from dirt and impurities.
Points to remember
• Steam the client’s skin before applying
the mask as it helps open the pores
and enables deep cleansing.
• Cleansing and exfoliating must be
Fig. 2.22: Skin warming using a wet towel followed by steaming.
• There are two common and simple ways of skin
warming — hot towels and steamers.
• The first method involves dipping a clean towel
into hot water and putting it on the client’s face
after squeezing it lightly and cooling it. The
second option is to bring the water to boil, and
then, turn off the heat. Now, with a clean towel
draped over the head, place the face above the
pot containing the hot water to absorb the steam.
• Both the methods can be used for a minute or
two. Too much steaming can cause redness.
• Keep the client’s skin type in mind before
giving steam.
• The other method is using face steamers available
in a salon.
Activity 1
Identification of skin type.
Material required: notebook and pen
Procedure
Activity 2
Practical sessions on cleansing, moisturising and face
mask application.
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Notes Material required: cleansing milk or lotion, face mask, brush,
bowl, moisturiser, head band, apron, towel, water, eye pads,
cotton and sponge pads
Procedure
B. Subjective Questions
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Notes Facial muscle
The top of the skull is covered by ‘epicranius’ or
‘occipitofrontalis’ muscle. This muscle has two parts
— occipitals (rear part) and frontalis (front part). The
voluntary movement of frontalis helps in the movement
of eyebrows and skull. Occipitals and frontalis are
connected by the tendon.
Eyebrow muscle
Orbicularis oculi is a facial muscle that surrounds the
margin of the eye socket. It helps in blinking.
Procerus
This muscle extends from the bridge of the nose to the
top between the eyebrows. Wrinkles are created across
the bridge of the nose by depressing the eyebrows.
Nasalis
Nasalis muscle of the nose compresses the nose,
causing wrinkles. It is responsible for the flaring of
nostrils when underwater, thereby, preventing water
from entering the nose.
Buccinator
It is a thin flat muscle between the upper and lower jaws.
The shape of the cheek is attributed to this muscle. It
puffs out the cheeks when blowing and keeps food in
the mouth while chewing.
Mentalis
This muscle is situated on the tip of the chin. The
movement of the lower lip is controlled by this muscle.
Orbicularis oris
Flat band around the lower and upper lip is formed
because of the presence of this muscle.
Zygomaticus
This muscle extends from the zygomatic bone and
continues into the orbicular oris to the angle of the
mouth. It elevates the lip while laughing.
Triangular
This muscle extends along the side of the chin. The
corner of the chin is pulled down by this muscle.
Auricularis superior
This muscle is present above the ear.
Auricularis posterior
This muscle is present behind the ear.
Auricularis anterior
This muscle is present in front of the ear.
Muscles of mastication
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Muscles of the neck
Platysma
It is located in front of the throat. It pulls down the
lower jaw and angles of the mouth. The expression of
sadness is because of this muscle.
Sterno-cleido-mastoid
It is the largest cervical muscle and extends on either
side of the neck. The movement of the head is because
of this muscle.
Latissimus dorsi
This muscle covers the upper and middle region of
the back and back of the neck. It aids in rotating the
shoulder blade and controlling the swinging movement
of the arm.
Pectoralis major and minor
These muscles cover the front of the chest. They help in
arm movement.
Abduction
Abduction is opposite to adduction, i.e., taking a limb
away from the sagittal plane.
Prone position
It refers to lying with the front or face downwards.
Supine
It refers to lying with the front or face
upwards.
Dorsi flexion
It helps turning of the foot or toe upwards.
Plantar flexion
This enables turning the foot downwards. Fig. 2.25: Plantar flexion
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Notes
Activity
Identification of muscles and their location.
Material required: notebook and pen
Procedure
Match the muscles with their location.
A B
1. Buccinator (a) Situated on the tip of chin
2. Mentalis (b) Muscle of the nose
3. Procerus (c) Lying with the face upwards
4. Mouth muscles (d) Gives shape to cheek
5. Supine (e) Quadratus labii inferiors
Session 4: Bleaching
We have fine hair all over the body, such as
stomach, back, etc. Unwanted hair must be
removed by suitable hair removal procedures.
The common hair removal procedures are —
bleaching, threading and waxing. However,
bleaching does not remove hair like threading
and waxing. It only destroys the colouring
pigment ‘melanin’. When a light ray passes
through them, the hair appear pale golden.
A number of chemicals, such as Hydrogen
peroxide (H2O2) and ammonia are used as
bleaching agents. Fig. 2.26: Bleaching agent
Patch test
As chemicals are used in bleaching, it is always
recommended to perform the treatment only after
conducting a ‘patch test’. This test is conducted by
following these steps.
Step 1: Select a suitable bleach based on the
requirement of a client and the person’s
skin type.
Step 2: Take a teaspoon of bleaching cream.
Step 3: Add two to three grains of ammonia to the
bleaching cream and mix well.
Step 4: Apply bleach on a small patch of the skin
behind the ear.
Step 5: Wait for 10–15 minutes and observe for allergy
or redness on the skin.
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Notes Step 6: If there is an allergy, then avoid using the
bleach. Natural bleach can be used in this case.
Step 7: If no allergy is observed, then one may proceed
with the procedure.
Bleaching
Material required
• Head band
• Medium and small size towel
• Cleansing milk
• Eye pads (tea bags, cucumber slices)
• Cotton pieces (2×2")
• Plastic, glass or ceramic bowl or plate
• Spatula
• Bleaching cream
• Ammonia
• Moisturiser
• Lacto calamine
• Ice cubes
• Chilled water
Procedure
Step 1: Collect the required information, such as
the age of the client, the last time the person
underwent bleaching procedure, etc.
Step 2: Seat the client comfortably.
Step 3: Identify the client’s skin type and condition.
Step 4: Conduct a patch test to check for infections
or allergies.
Step 5: Wrap a head band above the client’s forehead
and cover the clothes with a large towel, apron
or disposable sheet.
Step 6: Apply and spread cleansing milk all over the
client’s face and neck.
Step 7: Massage the neck and face in upward and
outward direction with a moist cotton pad.
Step 8: Prepare the paste required for bleaching.
Take 2–3 spatula of bleaching cream and 2–3
granules of ammonia, and mix well.
Step 9: Apply the paste to the upper lip first, and then,
to the rest of the face.
Advantages
• It gives instant result (within 10 minutes).
• It lightens the skin tone.
• It helps in removing suntan.
Disadvantages
• Prolonged use of chemicals may have harmful
effects on the skin and hair.
• The client requires post-bleach care.
Activity 1
Role-play on conducting patch test.
Material required: bleaching cream, ammonia granules, mixing
bowl and brush
Procedure
Step 1: Select bleach based on a person’s skin type and
requirement.
Step 2: Apply bleach on a small patch of the skin behind
the ear.
Step 3: Wait for 10–15 minutes and observe for allergy or
redness on the skin.
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Notes Step 4: If there is an allergy, then avoid using chemical
bleach. Natural bleach can be used in such cases.
Step 5: If no allergy is observed, then you may proceed
with the bleaching procedure.
Activity 2
Role-play on bleaching.
Material required: head band, towel, cleansing milk, eye pads
(tea bags or cucumber slices), cotton pieces (2×2"), plastic glass
or ceramic bowl, spatula, bleaching cream, ammonia grains,
moisturiser, lacto calamine, ice cubes and chilled water
Procedure
Step 1: Collect required information like the age of a client,
last time the person had underwent bleaching
procedure, etc.
Step 2: Offer a comfortable chair to the client.
Step 3: Identify the client’s skin type and condition.
Step 4: Conduct a patch test to check for infections
or allergies.
Step 5: Wrap a head band above the client’s forehead and
cover the clothes with a large towel or apron.
Step 6: Apply and spread cleansing milk all over the
client’s face and neck.
Step 7: Prepare the bleaching paste. Follow these steps.
• Take 2–3 spatula of bleaching cream.
• Add 2–3 granules of ammonia to it and
mix well.
Step 8: Apply the paste to the upper lip first, and then, to
the rest of the face.
Step 9: Place eye pads on the eyes to protect them from
watering.
Step 10: Wait for 5–7 minutes for the bleach to process.
Step 11: Remove little bleach from few spots and observe
for the colour of the hair.
Step 12: If the hair is not bleached as desired, then wait for
another five minutes.
Step 13: Again check for the effectiveness of the bleach.
Step 14: Remove the bleach with a spatula from all over the
face and neck.
Step 15: Rub an ice cube all over the face and neck
for relaxation.
Step 16: Apply moisturiser, sunscreen lotion or oil on
the face.
Step 17: Lay a thin layer of lacto calamine on the face in
order to give a soothing effect to the skin.
B. Subjective Questions
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