Renewing Skin Cells

Recently there has been a lot of controversy in the dermatological world about the dangers of forced exfoliation of the skin.

The recommendation now is for little or no exfoliation, leaving nature to remove any unwanted cells from the epidermis.

Renewing of the cells occurs through exfoliation and the removal of this outer layer stimulates the production of new cells in the lower germinative area of the epidermis.

Our skin cells take 28 days to develop from the dermis to the last layer of the epidermis - the stratum Corneum- or commonly called the horny layer.

Young skin exfoliates frequently but as we get older the natural process takes longer and may require a little encouragement by way of a gentle rub with a soft cloth during the cleansing process.

The use of a stable skin wash that matches the pH 5.5 of healthy skin such as Sebamed followed by a moisturiser which also matches the skins pH helps in this process.

This ensures that the protective factor " the acid mantle" if displaced in the process is immediately replaced.

The "Acid Mantle" delivers our skin's waterproofing effectively protecting it from bacteria, the environment and free radicals. It is the single most important aspect in maintaining the health of the skin.

The practice however of frequent exfoliation as recommended by the beauty industry sends the skin layers into constant cell division.

Fibroblasts responsible for collagen and elastin reproduction which form a sound foundation for the skin can reproduce around 50 times , a limit set by our own bodies.

Technically this is called the"hayflick limit" and when a cell gets to this stage it becomes useless and unable to divide. Skin with lots of cells at this stage become wrinkled, sensitive and blotchy.

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