The epidermis is made up of 4 – 5 different layers, some of which are viable (living) & some of which are non-viable (dead). The very lowest layer, or basal layer is where all new cells proliferate from & where our pigmenting cells are found. The uppermost layer is called the stratum corneum which is a waterproofing & protective layer. Between these top and bottom layers the cells of your skin undergo changes & eventually lose contact with their blood supply, meaning that they essentially “die”, and slough off from the uppermost stratum corneum.
We want our skins to have a strong stratum corneum since this layer protects us against the elements, but as we age the rate at which the stratum corneum sloughs off slows down, & it thus has the tendency to build up. Ideally our skin cells should take 28 days to move from the basal layer where they are created to the stratum corneum where they slough off, but as this process slows with aging it results in the skin looking uneven & sallow.
If you have one or more of the following, you should consider an epidermal treatment:
- congestion
- blackheads
- whiteheads
- milia
- dull or sallow complexion
- pigmentation
- dryness* (not flaking)
- uneven texture
How do epidermal treatments like chemical peels work?
Chemical peels temporarily disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, leading to the shedding or removal of the top few layers of cells on your skin. A signal is sent to your basal layer (the lowest layer of your epidermis) to produce more brand new cells, & so the cycle of cell turnover is increased & your skin tone & texture improves!
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