Skin Cellular Turnover: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

Skin Cellular Turnover: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

Skin cell turnover is the process of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) continually renewing itself by producing new skin cells. This is a vital aspect of keeping your skin healthy, smooth, and youthful. It also is a key factor in the formation of acne, dehydration, and congestion.

Cellular Renewal: The Key to Healthy Skin

Your skin is constantly renewing itself through a process called cellular renewal. Normally, this cycle takes about 28 days for healthy skin. During this time, keratinocyte cells move from the deeper layers of your skin to the surface, where they eventually shed off. The length of this cycle can be impacted by age, sun exposure, hormones, and overall health. As we age, the cell turnover rate can slow to 45-50 days. That’s why you start seeing signs of aging like dull skin, discolouration, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture.

In terms of acne, a key element is called follicular hyperkeratinization - when the skin cells shed abnormally. During this process the skin cells inside the hair follicles start to overproduce and shed excessively, then stick together and clog the follicle. This traps sebum (oil) inside, leading to comedones (whiteheads/blackheads) and then often inflammation and c. acnes bacteria, leading to acne. 

The goal of skincare routines and in-clinic treatments is to keep the 28-day cellular renewal cycle running smoothly. This helps your skin maintain key functions like collagen and elastin production, which keep your skin firm, smooth, and youthful.

How Topical Skincare Supports Cellular Renewal

Your daily skincare routine is crucial for healthy skin cell renewal. 

  • Chemical Exfoliants AHA’s, BHA’s and Enzymes dissolve the bonds between cells, encouraging them to shed more easily. For acne/congestion we recommend Environ Hydroxy Acid Sebu-Masque and for aging/pigmentation/dehydration we love the coveted ‘Face Lift in a Jar’, Environ TriBio-Botanical Revival Masque.

  • Retinoids these Vitamin A derivatives speed up the cellular renewal process by stimulating the production of new cells. Our favourite retinoid for acne is Osmosis Clarify Retinal Serum, while Environ AVST Moisturiser 1 is our go to for general skin health (aging, dehydration, dullness).

  • Niacinamide simultaneously improves skin barrier function and encourages skin cell turnover.  Environ Mela-Prep Lotion contains high dose niacinamide and is a hero product for uneven skin tone/hyperpigmentation.

  • SPF + Antioxidants UV damage can impair skin cell renewal, leading to premature aging and pigmentation. Using SPF and antioxidants help protect from UV radiation and environmental factors that can inhibit the skin’s ability to regenerate. Our Coola Dew Good Illuminating Serum provides SPF and blue light protection.

  • Moisturizers At Face Club, we follow the principle of Corneotherapy, the science of repairing and maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier at all times. Optimizing the skin barrier above all ensures healthy homeostasis of the skin and a reduced risk of over-exfoliation/inflammation. The Dermaviduals DMS Base Cream High Classic is a must-have for healthy skin barrier function. 

By sticking to a good skincare routine at home, you create a healthy environment for your skin’s cellular regeneration, which helps professional treatments work even better.

 

Professional Treatments for Healthy Skin

Regular facial treatments can optimize your skin function and provide long-term benefits. Treatments like gentle peels, microneedling, Sonophoresis/Iontophoresis, LED light therapy, and lymphatic drainage massage work to improve circulation, cellular metabolism, collagen + elastin synthesis, and more. These all encourage skin cell turnover which improve anything from fine lines & wrinkles to hyperpigmentation, dehydration, acne, and more. Regular, monthly treatments provide cumulative benefits for lasting skin health.

Face Club offers combination treatments for better results. The Face Club Signature Facial combines exfoliation, LED light therapy, and lymphatic drainage massage to address all skin conditions and kickstart your skin health journey. 

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