Dr. Albertelli Explains Cellular Renewal

Let us take you back to biology class and touch up on your knowledge about the anatomy of the skin! The skin is made up of three main layers.

Epidermis is the top layer of the skin, which is in charge of:

  • Making new skin cells: This happens at the bottom of the epidermis. The skin cells travel up to the top layer and flake off, about a month after they form (Skin Cell Renewal – Take Note!).
  • Giving skin its colour: The epidermis makes melanin, which is what gives your skin its colour.
  • Protecting your body: The epidermis has special cells that are part of your immune system and help you stay healthy.

The second layer - the Dermis - contains blood vessels, which carry Oxygen and vital nutrients around the body and take waste products away. It also has elastic fibres, collagen to maintain flexibility, nerve endings, and sweat glands to help regulate body temperature.

The bottom layer of skin is the Subcutaneous Fat Layer. This layer plays an important role in your body by connecting tissue that attaches the dermis to your muscles and bones.

How the Skin Cellular Renewal Cycle Effects Your Appearance

The most superficial layer of the epidermis consists of dead skin cells that are consistently washing off and flaking.

This entire rejuvenation process occurs on average between 21-28 days for the average middle-aged adult however, this gradually slows down as we age. As we grow older, the cycle slows down to 45-60 days and to 60-90 days in our 50s and 60s. 

Skin cells require Oxygen in order to perform this cycle. As you age, your cells decrease their ability to transform oxygen and retain water consequently, reducing their vitality. The decrease of Cellular Vitality and the cells metabolism is what represents One of the Most Important Ageing Signs. 

Fast Renewal Cycle = Younger Looking Skin

When the skin cell has a High Vitality and the surface is made of newer cells, the skin feels softer, looks radiant, & has lesser fine lines and wrinkles.

What Encourages the Cellular Renewal Process? 

> Regular Exfoliating
> Retinols (Vitamin A)
> Oxygenation of the Cells

What Speeds Up the Ageing Process?

Here is some quick literature for you! Longevity of a species is the ability of its maintenance and repair mechanisms to keep up with daily wear and tear. There are positive correlations between lifespan and the ability to repair DNA, detoxify reactive oxygen molecules, respond to and counteract stress, and replace worn-out cells (Holliday, 2000).

Oxidative Stress on the skin cells represents one of the most import signs of ageing, that is why Antioxidants are so important for you both internally and topically, because they Prevent Oxidative Damage to the cells by helping remove free radicals.

What Can You Do About It?

Daily skin care increases skin regeneration, elasticity, and smoothness. It protects the skins primary structural constituents, such as collagen, and elastin, to prevent the formation of wrinkles. Ingredients in products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid & Oxygen Ozone promote the natural synthesis of these substances, as well as Oxygenation of the cells.

Antioxidants, such as VitaminsPolyphenols, and Oxygen Ozone reduce collagen degradation by reducing the concentration of Free Radicals in the tissues. Cell regulators, such as Retinols (Vitamin A), have direct effects on collagen metabolism and influence collagen production.