Why aggressive exfoliation speeds up the ageing process!

What is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.  Traditionally this is achieved using a chemical, a granular substance or an exfoliation tool.

Did you know that your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells every 30 days, making room for new cells?  This happens through the activity of an enzyme called the corneocyte.  In some instances, dead cells don’t completely shed and the build up can result in dry, flaky patches and clogged pores.

The consensus is that exfoliation can prevent this.  The problem is that you might be removing more than dead skin cells in the quest for a dewy, fresh complexion!  Exfoliation can have a huge impact on the skin barrier, the health of which is paramount to long term skin health.  This is at the heart of what GERnétic stands for.

Your Skin Barrier: the fortress

Let’s take a quick look at the skin barrier to understand why it is so vital.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is a specialised layer that protects the body from the harsh aspects of our environment; UV, pollution, toxic chemicals, infection to name a few.

This outermost layer of skin cells is held together by the lipid matrix, composed of ceramides, cholesterols and fatty acids. The skin barrier is often described as the bricks and mortar, which acts as a security guard for your skin, preventing potential problems passing through. If this barrier is weakened or damaged, irritants can penetrate and skin becomes sensitive, leading to a whole host of skin issues.

One of the most important functions of the skin barrier is to protect it from trans-epidermal water loss.   As this term suggests, it locks in moisture to keep skin soft, supple and firm. When the skin barrier is damaged, the quick loss of water leaves skin feeling tight and dehydrated.  Skin can suddenly become irritated, red and inflamed.

So, what impact do our choices have on the skin barrier?  Well, a skincare routine can literally make or break it!  Exfoliation is high on the list of what can break it!

The reason for this is because so many products and treatments on the market are incredibly aggressive – exfoliating peels or acids are way too harsh and so harmful to the protective acid mantle which is your skin’s first line of defense!  Scientific research has shown that treating your skin in this aggressive manner will speed up the ageing process and triple your chances of developing pigmentation and hypersensitivity.

So, it’s time to look at the alternatives…

Dermaviduals Answer to Exfoliation

Dr Hans Lautenschlager, the creator of Dermaviduals , believed exfoliation was not a necessary part of a skincare routine due to its damaging effects. Dermaviduals is renowned for providing the skin with the essential nutritional molecules it needs to do what it does naturally. By creating pure ingredients with a delivery system that the cells in our body actually recognise, boosts the skin’s ability to regenerate and repair itself.

This means that if you regularly use Derrmaviduals products at home, often exfoliation is no longer a necessity:

Derrmaviduals products contain the nutrition needed to maintain a healthy turnover of the epidermis cells, extending their life and preventing dead ones from building up on the skin’s surface.

However, Dr Hans Lautenschlager understood that we Australians are perhaps subject to some of the harshest and most aggressive climate conditions in the world and that in some cases exfoliation is required.  However, it needs to be done in a way that respects the skin barrier.

In these circumstances Derrmaviduals offers solutions that encourage the natural desquamation (exfoliating) process, in a timely and safe manner, without weakening the shielding and protective barrier of the epidermis.

Dermaviduals has developed a range of products to support this natural process, allowing your skin to do what it does best!

Here are some of the products we offer:

DMS Peeling Cream contains micro-capsules which dissolve when rubbed, to release a polyolefine gel that gently removes superficial dead cells while also cleansing the skin. Use once or twice a week for best results.

Enzyme Treatment Mask boosts the activity of the corneocyte enzyme to very gently accelerate the desquamation process. It improves cellular renewal and promotes hydration and revitalisation.