Healthy, radiant skin is beautiful skin. One of the key processes responsible for great skin is cell turnover. An effective way to make sure we have robust cell turnover is through exfoliation of the skin.
Cell turnover naturally occurs in our bodies by shedding dead skin cells and replacing them with new ones. Our skin contains multiple layers, beginning with the outer epidermal layer down to the bottom layer called the basal layer. New skin cells are created in the basal layer and work their way up to the skin’s surface.
The cell turnover cycle occurs every 10-21 days for teens. For people in their 40s and 50s, the process slows significantly to every 45-60 days. This cycle can vary depending on factors like lifestyle, genetics, and overall skin health.
Maintaining a healthy rate of cell turnover offers many benefits for your skin:
Fewer Wrinkles
A healthy cell turnover rate helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by removing the dead cells on the skin’s surface. It also helps stimulate collagen production which is responsible for skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Improvement in Clogged Pores and Acne
Cell turnover helps reduce acne breakouts. The process of shedding dead skin cells prevents pores from becoming clogged with excess oil, often leading to acne.
What factors other than age can cause cell turnover rates to decrease?
- Dehydration: This can lead to dull, dry skin and interfere with the cell turnover process.
- Sun damage: Excessive UV exposure can damage skin cells and slow down the natural regeneration process.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can affect the process of cell turnover.
Treatments to Increase Cell Turnover
There are several in-office aesthetic treatments that help exfoliate your skin and boost cell turnover and skin rejuvenation.
Here are a few:
The mechanized handpiece of the Hydrafacial uses patented technology to gently resurface your skin and remove dead skin cells.
This technology combines radiofrequency and microneedling to encourage new skin cells. It restores your skin to a more youthful appearance by minimizing fine lines and pores, and improving the texture of your skin.
Treatments using energy, like laser (YAG) help remove the outer layer of skin to stimulate the growth of new, healthier skin cells. They can improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars and other skin imperfections in addition to stimulating collagen production.
Radiofrequency heats the deep layer of your skin. This heat stimulates the production of collagen to help improve signs of wrinkles and sagging skin. We offer a variety of radiofrequency technologies, some combined with microneedling, like the PiXel8-RF.
Medical grade chemical peels help remove dead skin cells to reveal fresher, more vibrant skin. The VI Peel is a medium-depth, very comfortable peel which effectively removes the top layer of skin.
Ways to Boost Cellular Turnover at Home
While in-office treatments provide a greater impact on the appearance of your skin, routines you adhere to in your daily life can go a long way in promoting a healthy cell turnover rate.
Physical Exfoliation
Use an exfoliating cleanser or scrub to encourage release of dead skin cells.
Our favorites: ZO Exfoliating Polish, Alastin Resurface Skin Polish
Retinol, AHA, BHA
Incorporate products that contain a retinol or retinoid, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to promote cell turnover.
Our favorites: Alastin Renewal Retinol, ZO Complexion Renewal Pads
Proper Hydration
Drink an adequate amount of water daily to keep skin hydrated, which allows dead skin cells to shed more easily.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen daily to prevent damage to your skin that will slow cell turnover.
Our favorites: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF40, Alastin SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
In-office treatments incorporated with these at-home routines are a sure way to promote healthy cell turnover and achieve a radiant complexion.
Call us today, 541-797-6306, to schedule a treatment or visit with us about products for your at-home skincare regimen.