We have written about dead skin cells in our previous blogs. Being our biggest protecting barrier, our skin protects our body from physical injury, biological-chemical dangers, pollutants and UV radiations from the sun. Because of having this formidable job of protecting us from so many harmful external elements it is no surprise our skin takes a beating.
Due to this onslaught our skin needs to rejuvenate and renew itself continually to be able to do its job effectively. This rejuvenation and renewal takes place in the outer most layer of the skin being the epidermis. The outermost layer of the skin needs to continually shed in order to renew itself. This process takes place by this layer continually shedding dead skin cells in order to allow new cells to come up from below and take their place. As we age this process slows down and it requires assistance in order to effectively do its job.
Duration of epidermis skin cells
In general skin cells whose job is to protect and defend our body renew themselves every 28 days. It is almost important to know that when it comes to skin cells the most common skin cells are keratinocytes. These specific types of skin cells compose up to 95% of skin cells in our epidermis.
How skin cells move up
Keratinocytes can produce proteins called keratin. Keratin can act as a water-resistant defensive layer to protect the skin against harmful environmental factors. Keratins are produced in the lowest base of the epidermis and gradually move up to the top layer of the epidermis. In the lowest layer keratins receive a nutrients-rich blood supply before they move up to the top layer. They move up gradually as newer cells are produced beneath them and are pushed forward to the top layer.
As they move up to the top layer of epidermis these cells develop more and more keratin. This in turn make them harder, drier and flatter. By the time they have moved to the top layer they become drier, harder and flatter during their journey to the top layer of the skin and are in the dying process. By the time these cells have reached the stratum lucidum the second highest layer of the skin they are dead due to their distance from the rich blood supply which nurtured them when they were in their lower layers of the skin.
Ways to repair dead skin cells
Due to their nature dead skin cells cannot be repaired and be given a new life. But there are ways to conserve those cells that are healthy and those that are damaged but are not dead yet. We will now look at some of these methods.
Repairing live skin cells
A great way to keep your skin healthy is to use skincare products with ingredients that can help to repair live skin cells. This process of cellular repair should have ingredients that target the deterioration of skin cells due to age. These ingredients should also target effects of UV rays on the skin which are another one of the top causes that effects skin cells. Therefor you should use sunscreen and other ingredients that are rich in antioxidants to achieve this.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is another great way to remove dead skin cells so heathy skin cells can replace them from underneath. The exfoliation process can be done either through light or gentle physical forms to forms using gentle chemical exfoliants. This process will aid in allowing new and healthy layers of the skin to come up from underneath. Please remember that not to exfoliate too much since that can in turn have negative consequences. Excessive exfoliation can result is the skin barrier being damaged and causing skin texture and tone to become uneven.
Exfoliation methods
Let’s now discuss some of the ways that exfoliation can be done in more details. By following proper guidelines and correct exfoliation techniques you can maintain a healthy and vibrant skin without harming the skin barrier. It is key to exfoliate in moderation and keep the skin hydrated and moisturized after exfoliation for best results!
Mechanical exfoliation
Mechanical exfoliation refers to removing dead skin cells through the action of brushing the skin repeatedly. You can do this by using tools such as washcloth, cleaning brushes and body scrubs by removing dead skin cells while the skin is wet. Dry brushing is another way of removing dead skin cells through mechanical exfoliation. This involves using a large dry brush and repeatedly running it over the skin which helps to get rid of dead skin cells.
Chemical exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation is another exfoliation methods that can be used to get rid of dead skin cells. This method does not require any tools for exfoliation. By using chemical that are safe for the skin exfoliation is achieved. Chemicals can get rid of dead skin cells without grinding the skin which can cause injury to the tissues which at times is associated with mechanical exfoliation.
