Dermatology & Cosmetics

1. The names of the following structures in order (A, B, C) are;

Subcutaneous fat, epidermis, dermis

Subcutaneous fat, dermis, epidermis

Epidermis, subcutaneous fat, dermis

Epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat

Dermis, epidermis, subcutaneous fat

The correct answer is "epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat" because the epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, followed by the dermis which is the middle layer, and then the subcutaneous fat which is the deepest layer.

Explanation

The correct answer is "epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat" because the epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, followed by the dermis which is the middle layer, and then the subcutaneous fat which is the deepest layer.

2. The names of the following structures in order (J, K & L) are:

Arrector pilli muscle, papilla, sweat gland

Sweat gland, papilla, arrector pilli muscle

Arrector pill muscle, sweat gland, papilla

Papilla, sweat gland, arrector pilli muscle

The correct order of the structures is sweat gland, papilla, and arrector pilli muscle. The sweat gland is responsible for producing sweat, which helps regulate body temperature. The papilla is a small projection on the surface of the skin that contains blood vessels and nerve endings. The arrector pilli muscle is a small muscle attached to hair follicles, which contracts and causes the hair to stand up when we are cold or experiencing certain emotions.

Explanation

The correct order of the structures is sweat gland, papilla, and arrector pilli muscle. The sweat gland is responsible for producing sweat, which helps regulate body temperature. The papilla is a small projection on the surface of the skin that contains blood vessels and nerve endings. The arrector pilli muscle is a small muscle attached to hair follicles, which contracts and causes the hair to stand up when we are cold or experiencing certain emotions.

3. Melanin is...

Found in the cornified layer and gives skin it's elasticity

Found in the granular layer and synthesises vitamin D

Found throughout the dermis and is responsible for pigmentation of the skin

Found in the germinative layer and produces new cells for the epidermal layer

Melanin is a pigment found throughout the dermis, which is responsible for the pigmentation of the skin. It gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin is produced by melanocytes, specialized cells found in the skin. The amount and type of melanin determine the color of an individual's skin. It also helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Explanation

Melanin is a pigment found throughout the dermis, which is responsible for the pigmentation of the skin. It gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin is produced by melanocytes, specialized cells found in the skin. The amount and type of melanin determine the color of an individual's skin. It also helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

4. The names of the following structures in order (D, E, F, G, H & I) are:

Capillaries, sweat duct, pore, hair follicle, sebacious gland & hair

Sebacious gland, sweat duct, hair follicle, pore, capillaries & hair

Capillaries, pore, hair follicle, sweat duct, sebacious gland & hair

Pore, capillaries, sweat duct, hair, sebacious gland & hair follicle

The correct order of the structures is capillaries, sweat duct, pore, hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and hair.

Explanation

The correct order of the structures is capillaries, sweat duct, pore, hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and hair.

5. The pH range of skin is:

3.5 - 9

4.5 - 10

6.5 - 11.5

4 - 6.5

The pH range of skin is 4 - 6.5. This range indicates that the skin is slightly acidic, which helps to maintain its natural barrier function. The acidic pH of the skin is important for protecting against harmful bacteria and maintaining the skin's moisture balance. If the pH of the skin becomes too alkaline or too acidic, it can disrupt the skin's natural functions and lead to various skin issues such as dryness, sensitivity, or acne. Therefore, it is important to use skincare products that are pH-balanced to maintain the health of the skin.

Explanation

The pH range of skin is 4 - 6.5. This range indicates that the skin is slightly acidic, which helps to maintain its natural barrier function. The acidic pH of the skin is important for protecting against harmful bacteria and maintaining the skin's moisture balance. If the pH of the skin becomes too alkaline or too acidic, it can disrupt the skin's natural functions and lead to various skin issues such as dryness, sensitivity, or acne. Therefore, it is important to use skincare products that are pH-balanced to maintain the health of the skin.

6. What causes blackheads to form?

Dirt on the skin becomes trapped, clogging up the pores, giving them a dark (black) appearance.

Hair follicle reacting with bacteria and becoming infected and forming a pustule, clogging the follicle.

Blackheads form when there is an overproduction of oil from the sebaceous glands. This excess oil combines with bacteria on the skin and blocks the hair follicles. The trapped oil and bacteria then oxidize, causing them to darken and give the blackhead its characteristic appearance.

Explanation

Blackheads form when there is an overproduction of oil from the sebaceous glands. This excess oil combines with bacteria on the skin and blocks the hair follicles. The trapped oil and bacteria then oxidize, causing them to darken and give the blackhead its characteristic appearance.

7. Which of the following is not a recommendation for healthy skin and acne prevention:

Eat healthy foods with lots of fresh foods.

Exercise in moderation.

Clean face several times a day with a low pH astringent, removing bacteria and oils from face.

Wear SPF30+ sunscreen when outdoors

Whilst the removal of bacteria from the skin can reduce occurence of bacteria, the stripping of oils from the face will result in the sebacious glands overproducing oil in compensation for those lost.

Explanation

Whilst the removal of bacteria from the skin can reduce occurence of bacteria, the stripping of oils from the face will result in the sebacious glands overproducing oil in compensation for those lost.

8. The term cosmetics is derived from

The Latin word for 'painted face' meaning to cover or improve the appearance of ones skin.

The Greek word for 'adornment', meaning to improve the beauty or health of the skin.

The Egyptian word for 'soft skin', from the tradition of soaking in milk baths to improve the complexion.

The Hebrew word for health and cleanliness, references made to this in the Old Testament.

The correct answer is the Greek word for 'adornment', meaning to improve the beauty or health of the skin. This is because the term cosmetics refers to products that are used to enhance or improve the appearance of the skin, and the Greek word for 'adornment' aligns with this purpose.

Explanation

The correct answer is the Greek word for 'adornment', meaning to improve the beauty or health of the skin. This is because the term cosmetics refers to products that are used to enhance or improve the appearance of the skin, and the Greek word for 'adornment' aligns with this purpose.

9. What is the function of the sweat gland?

Releases oily secretions on to the surface of the skin to prevent loss of moisture

Maintain moisture on the skin surface to provide a medium for the healthy growth of bacteria

Provide fluid necessary for evaporative loss from the body

Release excess water and salts from the tissue

The sweat gland is responsible for releasing excess water and salts from the tissue. This helps regulate body temperature by cooling the body through evaporation.

Explanation

The sweat gland is responsible for releasing excess water and salts from the tissue. This helps regulate body temperature by cooling the body through evaporation.

10. If my unprotected skin starts to burn after 7 minutes, after what period of time will it begin to burn if I apply SPF15+ sunscreen.

22 minutes

35 minutes

1 hour, 5 minutes

1 hour, 45 minutes

If the unprotected skin starts to burn after 7 minutes, applying SPF15+ sunscreen would increase the time it takes for the skin to burn. SPF15+ sunscreen provides moderate protection against the sun's harmful rays. The higher the SPF, the longer the protection lasts. Since the skin starts to burn after 7 minutes without protection, applying SPF15+ sunscreen would extend the time it takes for the skin to burn. Therefore, it would take 1 hour and 45 minutes for the skin to start burning if SPF15+ sunscreen is applied.

Explanation

If the unprotected skin starts to burn after 7 minutes, applying SPF15+ sunscreen would increase the time it takes for the skin to burn. SPF15+ sunscreen provides moderate protection against the sun's harmful rays. The higher the SPF, the longer the protection lasts. Since the skin starts to burn after 7 minutes without protection, applying SPF15+ sunscreen would extend the time it takes for the skin to burn. Therefore, it would take 1 hour and 45 minutes for the skin to start burning if SPF15+ sunscreen is applied.

11. Which of the following is not a stipulation for all cosmetics manufactured or imported into Australia, as outlined by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

Ingredients are listed in descending order, calculated either by mass or volume

A manufactuer may use the phrase "may contain..." on products manufactured on the same equipment as other cosmetic products.

Ingredients must be listed in English in a clear and legible manner.

A manufactuer may use the phrase "may contain..." on a range of very similar products - for instance eyeshadows which are identical except for the colours used.

Explanation

A manufactuer may use the phrase "may contain..." on a range of very similar products - for instance eyeshadows which are identical except for the colours used.