Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: BillJx on 28/03/2007 04:35:16
-
Does exfoliation make the skin age faster?
-
i don't think so, we are constantly generating new skin cells at the dermis and sending them to the surface (the epidermis). As the cells rise to the surface they gradually die and become filled with keratin.
The keratinized skin cells are essential. They give our skin its protective quality. But they are constantly dieing off to make way for younger cells.
As we age the process of cell turnover slows down. Cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin's surface, giving it a dry, rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation is beneficial because it removes those cells that are clinging on, revealing the fresher, younger skin cells below.
Over exfoliation can damage the skin, if you have sensitive skin.
-
Thats good to know. I have a hard time with soaps on my face. most dry my face so harshly that I am flakey and peely within minutes of my shower, I have had to resort to some rather expensive moisturizer as I tried many and several make me break out on my face and this one seems to be ok. so it helps make my face look better and feel better. I have noticed the lines and wrinkles alot more now that I have lost weight! before my face was way fuller. It could be me or the fact that I will be fifty years old before I know it!! Yikes!LOL
-
i don't think so, we are constantly generating new skin cells at the dermis and sending them to the surface (the epidermis). As the cells rise to the surface they gradually die and become filled with keratin.
That's why I'd have thought it accelerates aging of the skin. A cell can only reproduce a certain number of times before the telomeres are too damaged. Deliberately exposing young replacement cells earlier than necessary should increase the rate of cell turn-over, should it not? Or is the rate of cellular reproduction independant of the rate at which the surface cells are sloughed off?
-
Or is the rate of cellular reproduction independant of the rate at which the surface cells are sloughed off?
you got me there, but i think exfoliation is beneficial for removing the dead skin and promoting the new cells. especially if you have oily skin and therefore do not easily ger rid of the dead skin cells and they then start building up.
ofcourse, i could be totally wrong...which would not be the first time...today!