Skin Cell Cycle AKA Cell Turnover
Teens to early 20s
14-21 Days
Our skin cells go through the wars daily. They are exposed to factors such as UV light, pollution, bacteria, scratches, rashes (and the list goes on and on) which causes wear and tear. On top of these external stressors, our skin is also affected by internal factors such as our stress levels, hormones, aging, inflammation ect. Because of this, our bodies continuously shed old, dead skin cells and make new skin cells. This is known as the skin cell cycle (or cell turnover).
The skin cell cycle begins in the deepest layer of the skin (call the subcutaneous layer). Here, new skin cells are formed. Slowly, these new skin cells make their way up through the dermis to the epidermis (layer exposed to the air). As these cells move through the layers of the skin, they harden and eventually die. This is where we get the flaky, dry skin that we see.
Cell Cycle Time Frame
When the cycle comes to an end and our skin cells have died, they naturally fall/flake off the skin. In a period of 24 hrs, we shed up to a million skin cells! As the skin cycle slows down, dead skin takes longer and longer to fall off, causing it to accumulate on the surface of the skin. This is when we start seeing problems such as acne, signs of aging and hyperpigmentation.
Dead skin cells give us the apperance of dull, dry and sagging skin. On top of this, bacteria can easily become trapped within the dead skin cells increasing our risk of blemishes and breakouts. Likewise discoloured or damaged cells can also become trapped causing dark/discoloured spots on our faces.
Bottom line: removing these dead skin cells is key to glowing, healthy and radiant skin.
To keep these dead cells away, it is important to exfoliate weekly. This can be done with either a manual (the ones where you scrub your face) or chemical exfoliators (ones that contain AHAs and BHAs). You also want to incorporate products that assist with cell turnover. Aim for a cleanser that contains fruit enzymes as these are natural exfoliators (such as pineapple and grapefruit). Active retinol is also a fantastic product to use for increasing cell turnover, however, people often are very sensitive to retinol and thus this is a slow and ongoing process.
Once the dead skin has been removed and fresh, new skin is exposed, it is recommended that you add a serum or facial oil that is high in vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids to keep the new skin as healthy as possible. And as always, use at least SPF 30 anytime you are anywhere near the sunlight.
Our recommendation:
Clean Slate Cleanser
Contains pineapple fruit enzymes to help remove dead skin cells. This cleanser is super gentle and hydrating making it great for all skin types including the most sensitive skin.
Nourishing Nectar Drops
Made with 8 carefully selected oils that are high in fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants to keep your skin happy. It is super lightweight and absorbs quickly to leave an overall glow.