Woman's enterprise., 1921-09-16
COsMETIQUE THERAPY.
Article 2.

An Individual must, of necessity,
have some knowledge of the skin, IN
order to discuss it with any degree Il
of intelligence. II
What is the skin? 1t is an Organ L
which envelopes the entire body and
lining the oral cavities which open
outward, as we'll. II
What is an Organ? 1t is an instru- II
ment by means of which any thing is II
done. II
Anatomically the skin is made up OF Il
two distinct layers which in turn are
subdivided into divisions somewhat
different in character.
For the purpose Of intelligent un-
derstanding of locations under dis
cussion the two sections will answer.
These are the outer layer: epidermls,
and the inner layer, or true skin: the
derma.
In this second layer are located the
appendages of the skin, ie.: Halr'
sebacious (oiD and sudiferous (sweat)
glands, also the nerves and blood
vessels.
The coloring or tint of the skin is
secreted from the blood by the fourth
subdivision of the epidermis. This
coloring material is called Melanin
and it's chemical composition varies.
This variation of it's chemical constitu-
ents makes the various types OF
blondes, brunettes and etc. This varl-
alton is a most interesting phenomena
but would hardly be worth discussion
here.
OF far more Importance are the
functions of our skins. First, we must
know that the skin is made Of highly
specialized cells arranged in the vari-
GUS sections and subdivisions in SIM
liar manner, with some variations.
The skin cells as we'll as the hair and
nails are made up Of the same variety
of cells which are horny in substance
and are called keratin cells. When
We know that the cells composing our
skin, hair and nails are horny in
character, then we can proceed with
more understanding as to what we
may or may not do with them.
To return to the functions and a
brief discussion of these we must first
know that a function anatomically is
a definite work done in certain way
constantly. Upon this constancy and
defniteness hinges normal body ac
tivities.
While the functions of the skin arr
many and complex, few Of the mos
important are: /. Bodily covering
every one knows how painful sma]
area can be, denuded of portion o
skin. 2. External protection; tn
thickness, density and horny characte
of the skin gives grace and symetr
to our bodies and an unbroken ski
is a perfect protection against infet
ton. 3. Excretory meaning to give OF
get rid of. Most of US know, whe
we have shining nose, that our 81
bacious, or oil glands have been ge
ting rid of an excess Of oil which HI
not been cleansed away and remal
on the surface in tiny globules OF o
We have also experienced an ou
pouring of fluid, (sweat), from tt
suderiferous glands during hot weat
er or in times of mental and bodi
stress this carries US on to col
Elementary function. 4. Regulatl
of body temperature, the secretion a
outpouring of sweat cools our bod
and lowers our temperatures or M
content of our blood stream and t
is regulated by two sets Of ner0
namely, the secretory and sympath
it.
In cold weather We do not give
body heat in the cooling sweat so
fusely, but rather our blood is stl1
lated to a more rapid flow through
vessels. This produces heat thro
the energy which is stimulated by
external irritant (cold).
5. Absorption of oxygen( air)
most important act Of our skin.
to its horney formation it is not
sible for the skin to absorb oils
fluids to any extent unless these
forced in by means Of electricity W
can be used to attract chemical,
stance through the tissues, if one
knowledge of the properties Of
substance to be applied as we'll a
understanding Of the chemical att
tions and possibilities Of the val
forms of electricity used therape
ally.
6. As, an organ Of sensation I
ing) the skin enables US to ditfer
ate between heat and cold TO-
substance and many other extrar
things.