Chapter 5: Skin Cancer Guide for Salon Professionals, 2nd Edition 1 CE Hour
Course overview This course will equip you with essential knowledge about skin cancer—including how to recognize the warning signs of precancerous lesions, the most common forms of skin cancer, and rare types that can appear. As a cosmetologist, you play a vital role in your clients’ overall health and wellness, and you are also in the position to observe Learning objectives After completing this course, the learner will be able to: Explain basic skin histology and physiology relevant to lesion recognition. Differentiate natural, age-related changes in skin, hair, and nails from changes that may be concerning. Identify risk factors for skin cancer and when clients may be at increased risk. Describe evidence-based skin cancer prevention strategies, including sun-safe behaviors and appropriate sunscreen use. While cosmetologists cannot diagnose skin cancer, recognizing warning signs and confidently referring clients to a dermatologist in a professional, informed way is essential. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and one in five Americans will develop it in
areas of the client’s skin, scalp, and nails that they can’t or don’t easily see. This puts you in a position to easily spot suspicious, potentially dangerous changes early. The goal of this course is to help you confidently identify potential concerns and guide clients toward seeking proper medical care when necessary. Recognize common warning signs of precancerous lesions and skin cancers—including actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma—and describe typical treatment approaches. Communicate with clients about suspicious findings professionally and non-fearfully and recommend referral to a healthcare professional.
INTRODUCTION
their lifetime (AAD, n.d.). Becoming familiar with the signs can make a life-saving difference with early detection. Because cosmetologists see clients regularly and observe areas they may overlook, they are well-positioned to notice skin changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. Each visit is an opportunity to support your clients’ health and well- being.
PART 1: HISTOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SKIN: GENERAL SKIN KNOWLEDGE REFRESHER
Before discussing skin cancer, it is helpful to review basic skin histology and physiology to understand how cancers develop. Functions of the skin The skin, the body’s largest organ, serves six main functions (WebMD, n.d.: ● Protection : The skin forms a barrier against bacteria, injury, and environmental damage, including UV- induced skin cancer. The acid mantle, a mix of sebum, sweat, and water, helps maintain moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss (Stanborough, 2025). ● Sensation : Sensory nerves in the dermis detect touch, pressure, pain, and temperature, sending signals to the brain for protective or positive responses. Layers of the skin The skin consists of two parts: the epidermis and the dermis. Within these two layers there are several more layers: the epidermis contains five layers, while the dermis has two deeper layers. This is followed by a fatty subcutaneous layer, the lowest layer of the skin, which provides contour and smoothness to its visible texture. The epidermis ● Stratum corneum is the top, outermost layer of skin and is often referred to as the horny layer. As keratin cells die, these dead protein cells become keratinocytes and shed naturally through a process called desquamation,
● Heat regulation : The skin helps maintain the body’s 98.6°F internal temperature by responding to environmental changes. ● Excretion : Sweat glands remove excess salt and toxins through pores. ● Secretion : Sebaceous glands release sebum to lubricate and protect skin and hair while maintaining hydration. ● Absorption : Skin absorbs water, oxygen, and, via sunlight, converts UV rays into vitamin D. While most skincare ingredients penetrate minimally, small-molecule ingredients can nourish the skin. revealing new skin cells on the skin’s surface over a 28+ day period, depending upon age. ● Stratum lucidum is a translucent, thin layer that consists of keratinocytes containing clear keratin and small cells that allow light to pass through. This layer is found on our palms and soles of our feet and forms unique fingerprints and footprints. It is the outermost layer of the epidermis. ● Stratum granulosum is where the production of keratin and natural moisturizing factors such as ceramides, wax,
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Book Code: ENC0826
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