Out With the Old – In With Renewal
Skin Renewal is the process of replacing old cells with new cells. The two layers of the skin that are primarily responsible for its appearance are the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer, which protects our bodies from infection and regulates water loss. The dermis is the deeper layer that contains collagen and elastin which provide strength and elasticity, creating the support structure of the skin. As we age, the body’s natural processes of skin renewal to keep skin strong and healthy begins to decline. Products and treatments that assist and improve these systems help keep skin looking bright, tight, and naturally beautiful.
Epidermal Cell Cycle
The epidermis is predominantly composed of cells called keratinocytes which have a life cycle of approximately 28-40 days. A keratinocyte is “born” in the deep layer of the epidermis and then travels upward through the outermost layer of the epidermis. During this process, the cell’s components begin to break down, and by the time the keratinocyte reaches the outer layer of skin, it has lost its nucleus, become flattened, rough and dry, and is considered a dead skin cell. At the end of their cycle, it detaches from its connected skin cells and falls away. This life cycle process is known as skin cell turnover.
This natural process of replacing old skin cells with new healthy cells on a daily basis renews the epidermis and maintains the skin’s natural barrier function. However, this process slows as we age, causing the dead skin cells to sit and collect on the surface of the skin. Exfoliating the skin stimulates the constant cell turnover and renewal of the epidermis, keeping skin smooth, soft, and compact for healthy barrier function and improved skin tolerance. Exfoliation reduces the visibility of skin discolorations and improves the skin’s ability to reflect light for a brighter appearance. Exfoliation also helps keep the complexion clear because it inhibits the formation of blackheads and clogged pores.
The exfoliation process can be accelerated with chemical or manual exfoliation.
Manual exfoliation includes things that buff away dead skin cells from the surface of the epidermis.
Chemical exfoliation includes peels and topical skin care products that break the bond that holds cells together so that they detach and fall away. These are most commonly formulated with ingredients such as retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid and phytic acid. Topical exfoliants such as iS Clinical Active Serum and Retin-A.
Dermal Support System
The dermis is made up of collagen and elastin, proteins that are responsible for the structural support and elasticity of our skin. These proteins are embedded in a gel-like ground substance which contains hyaluronic acid, a necessity for keeping skin hydrated, plump, and supple. Collagen, elastin fibers, and the dermal ground substance like hyaluronic acid are all produced by “master cells” in the dermis called fibroblasts. Just as epidermal cell turnover slows with age, so does fibroblast size and activity. Consequently, the production of collagen, elastin fibers, and hyaluronic acid to decline, degrading the structural support system, causing laxity and thinness in the skin which appears as sagging, wrinkles, fine lines, and creasing.
To improve skin laxity, fibroblast activity must be stimulated to increase the quality and volume of elastin and collagen in the skin. Treatments that work deep in the dermis work to regenerate new collagen and elastin, consequently tightening skin and treating, lines, wrinkles and large pores.
Dermal Tightening Treatments
- Laser resurfacing
- Fractional laser treatments
- Dermal Peels – Obagi Blue Peel
- Topical tretinoin treatment – Increased collagen formation at the dermal/ epidermal junction has been demonstrated with Retin-A treatment
Skin Renewal to Compliment Surgical Procedures
The objective of skin renewal is to improve processes in both the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin for both improved tone and texture as well as improved structure for firm, smooth skin. One does not supersede the other as both are important to overall skin health and appearance. Equally, surgical procedures can correct muscle laxity and tighten skin, but they cannot improve the support structure or texture of the skin. For truly complete renewal, it is best to combine skin renewal treatments with a surgical procedure. Improving skin firmness and smoothing away wrinkles with dermal tightening will give an overall younger look by producing plumper, healthier skin that beautifully compliments newly contoured cheeks, neck, and jawline.
If you are resolved to give your skin a fresh start this year, call Dr. Shapiro’s Skin Klinic (480) 451-1700 to get more information on which skin renewal treatment is right for you!