What is Cellular Turnover and Why is it Important?
Healthy skin is a canvas that reflects beauty and vitality. To achieve and maintain a radiant complexion, it is powerful to understand the concept of cellular turnover. Cellular turnover refers to the natural process of shedding dead skin cells and replacing them with new, fresh cells. This process is crucial for maintaining a youthful appearance and promoting overall skin health.
This is what happens
Our skin cells grow from the base layer of our epidermis to the outermost layer of our epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin that we love and cherish for its tone, beautiful color, and protection it provides and gives us part of our identity. This information holds true for the skin on your face, as well as the rest of your body. Your cells are young and vital when first made, then go through a process of moving from the deeper layer of the epidermis to the outermost layer of your epidermis (that’s the skin that we see) our skin cells become old and die off.
This natural shedding of skin happens on a regular basis, and depending on your age it takes about 30 days. So by the end of your skin cell's growth process, they can look, well a little lifeless.
And as we age our cellular turnover rate decreases – bummer!
Here is a rough timeline for your age and how often it takes to move through this process.
- Babies – 14 days
- Teenagers – 21 – 28 days
- Middle age – 28 – 42 days
- 50 and up – 42 – 84 days
These outermost layers will slough off on their own or with a little helping hand from a skin care specialist.
Unlocking the Benefits of Cellular Turnover.
- Rejuvenation: Cellular turnover is like a breath of fresh air for your skin. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. This rejuvenating process helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
- Brightening: As dead skin cells accumulate on the surface, they can make your complexion appear dull and lackluster. By promoting cellular turnover, you can reveal a brighter, more radiant skin tone. Say goodbye to dullness and hello to a youthful glow!
- Even Skin Tone: Cellular turnover plays a vital role in reducing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. By shedding old skin cells, you can fade dark spots and reveal a more even complexion. Embrace the beauty of a flawless canvas!
How to Enhance Cellular Turnover?
- Exfoliation: Incorporate gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and stimulate cellular turnover. Look for exfoliants with natural ingredients like fruit enzymes or gentle acids.
- Hydration: Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Drink plenty of water and use moisturizers that nourish and hydrate your skin, promoting optimal cellular turnover.
- Antioxidants: Protect your skin from environmental damage by using skincare products rich in antioxidants. These powerful ingredients help to neutralize free radicals and support cellular regeneration. Good fats and oils, like tuna, salmon and avocado help to boost cellular repair. You want to have ingredients that fight free radicals and sun damage. Vitamin C is a powerful ally in this process.
- Peels – breaks up the inner glue of the cells.
- Enzymes – eat up the dead cells.
- Gommage – manual sloughing off of cells.
- Skin brushing - manual sloughing off of cells. Best on your body.
- Salt/Sugar scrubs – manual sloughing off of cells. Best used on your body for radiant skin.
The Art of Healthy Skin.
Just like a masterpiece requires time, effort, and attention to detail, achieving healthy skin is an art form. Embrace the elegance and sophistication of a skincare routine that prioritizes cellular turnover, knowing that a regular skincare routine makes a world of difference. Let your skin be a canvas that reflects the beauty of a well-nurtured masterpiece.
Remember, love who you are at any stage of your life!
Have questions about cellular turnover and YOUR skin? Send me a message.
Leave me a comment about your skin.
Have a brilliant day!
Colleen
