Skin Cycle

Your Skin Cycle
Your skin isn’t something that just happens. It takes thousands of skin cells, a balance of bacteria, plenty of natural oils and a monthly regeneration process. Great skin is something that comes with care, cultivation and skincare routine that nourishes your natural balance.

In order to take care of your skin, you need to understand the basics of how your skin comes to be, and how to nourish it.

Understanding your skin
Around 95% of our skin cells are made deep down in the Epidermis - this is the outer layer of the skin that you can see - in a part called the Stratum Germinativum. This is also sometimes known as the Basal Layer.

In this part of the skin, your cells are constantly working to make new skin, replacing the 40,000 skin cells we shed every single day. The cycle then continues and your cells move to the surface of your skin, reach full maturity and are then exfoliated or naturally flake away.

This regeneration process takes an average of 30 days, though this varies depending on age. At the age of 19-25 your skin takes around 14-21 days to regenerate, whereas it’s more like 28 days at 30-35 years old. This slows down to about 45-60 days in your 40's and 60-90 days in your 50's and 60's.

Naturally aged
Ageing is a good option, the alternative is unthinkable but getting involved and understanding this process means you can choose appropriate products, implement routines and make lifestyle choices that can work to accelerate the skin cycle and stimulate the turnover to bring your skin on the outside in line with how you feel on the inside.

As we can see, the skin cycle slows down as we get older. This means that dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, leading to dullness and a loss of structure and strength. It can also mean that fine lines and wrinkles are more noticeable too. Your skin’s natural collagen production slows down as you get older, which can make skin feel dry and dull too.

Bacteria can become trapped within the deeper lines, which lead to blemishes, breakouts and discolouration. This is why it’s essential to adjust your skincare routine in line with your skin, age and lifestyle. What worked in your 20s might need a rethink as you head into your 40s.

Skin cycle accelerators
A great way to keep dull skin at bay as you get older is to encourage skin cell turnover with exfoliation. This reveals new, fresh skin and clears away dead skin cells for a refreshed, flake-free skin surface.

For the uninitiated, exfoliators are a skincare essential that remove the top layers of dead skin, allowing the lower levels to rise to the surface and glow. They either do this physically, by scrubbing away dead skin, or by using chemicals to remove the ‘glue’ that holds these dead skin cells in place. While exfoliating is important, it’s also important not to take it too far or use too many exfoliators, as over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural barrier.

Introducing stimulating or renewal skincare products into your daily routine will start to replicate what your skin is no longer doing as well - or as quickly - as it once did. This is where vitamins can play an important role in supporting your skin cycle.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A works to increase the rate at which your body produces new skin cells, it accelerates the process and also stimulates collagen production. Find your Vitamin A in retinols, retinoids, bakuchiol and any products listing vitamin A as an ingredient, such as the Overnight Recharge Balm, which replenishes and revitalises your skin while you sleep.

The strength and efficacy of the A content will determine the cell turnover speed of your skin, so be aware that stronger A’s may result in flaky skin and a little sensitivity before you see the results. Products with a lower concentration of vitamin A or those that have been naturally derived (such as plant-based or oils) will take longer to see but both end in the same results of renewed and refreshed skin.

Vitamin B
Applying a Vitamin B or Niacinamide ingredient helps to enhance keratinocyte (the name for skin cells in the epidermis) production and in turn their refresh and turnover. Vitamin B also enhances production of stronger, supported skin through the formation of connective tissue so the new skin is sitting on a stronger base.

Brightening B contains both vitamin B and niacinamide for glowing skin with a stronger, balanced barrier function.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is high on the pH scale of acidity and acts as a mild exfoliant, speeding up cell turnover just as exfoliants and resurfacing products will. Vitamin C also inhibits melanin production, meaning pigmentation and dark spots not only fade quicker, but the skin takes on a smoother and more youthful appearance.

Use Circadian Vit C to add some essential vitamin C into your skincare routine. It helps to improve skin condition, tone, density, elasticity and radiance, especially when paired with hyaluronic acid.

Investing time into your skincare routine
To get the best results from your skincare routine, you need to be prepared to invest time and have a little patience. It’s also important to introduce new products (or a change of routine) one at a time so that you can work out what’s making a difference to your skin.

Whilst you might see an immediate change in look or feel, you’re usually better to wait for a few skin cycles before making your final verdict. Introducing a new product at the age of 30 will get to work more quickly than introducing the same product at the age of 60, thanks to your shorter skin cycle.

The older you are the longer it will take – there’s no way around it – BUT adding ‘renewal’ ingredients to your routine can turn back time on your skin cycle. Combine this with a fundamental skin care routine that addresses the basic physiology of skin, your skin will appear smoother and more youthful.

Not sure where to start with your skincare? Discover the Skincare 5 A Day System to replenish and maintain your skin.