Do you want to show off skin that is as healthy, luminous, uniform and smooth as possible? It's no secret, it's its cell renewal that needs to be boosted, especially when it starts to falter. Easy actions to implement to achieve this.
All human cells are capable of regular self-renewal, so as to present an optimal defense system at all times, with cells that are alive and genetically identical to each other within their category.
However, each type of cell has its own autonomous functioning. For example, cells in the intestines live much less long than blood cells, for example. As for the skin, the cellular renewal of keratinocytes, cells of the epidermis, takes place between 21 and 28 days approximately. But as the years go by, the functioning of the cells slows down and becomes exhausted. As a result, the skin has a less smooth and uniform surface texture: it is dull, with dilated pores, it dehydrates more quickly because it is less impervious to aggressions... Sometimes, when the skin system is out of order, renewal is too rapid. This is when blackheads and comedones appear, causing acne or skin inflammation.
At the level of its lower layers, a sluggish cell renewal also has consequences: the production of hyaluronic acid, elastin and collagen ensured by aging cells decreases so much that cellular cohesion weakens and the tissues sag.
Optimizing, or even accelerating, the cellular renewal of your skin when it is failing is an essential beauty reflex. In the short term, the skin is smoother, softer and more luminous. Over the decades, a skin system that is constantly stimulated to remain active is the secret to youth and supple skin.
Exfoliation is key!
A gentle but regular exfoliation of the epidermis optimizes the renewal of skin cells so that they are always vibrant and active. Exfoliation works in two ways: not only does it eliminate dead skin that tends to dull the complexion, but it also stimulates the regeneration cycle of new cells. So we have everything to gain by adopting it!
There are two types of exfoliation: mechanical scrubs and chemical exfoliants. Each has its own specificities and advantages. Above all, they allow for more choice, depending on tastes of course, but especially on skin type.
Mechanical scrubs
They come in the form of a cream or gel containing more or less fine grains which, through friction on the epidermis, eliminate residues and dead cells. When massaged well, they are very effective. The downside is that this type of treatment can irritate the skin, especially if the gesture is too abrupt or the skin too sensitive.
Chemical exfoliants
They use active ingredients that can “shred” small dead skin cells to better eliminate them. They produce a reaction that breaks the bonds between dead cells to gently detach them.
Applied evenly and regularly all over the face using a cotton pad (preferably washable), they allow you to obtain a very regular and uniform skin texture. Their plus? Adapting to all skin types depending on the active ingredients used.
Choosing the right care assets
As we have seen, exfoliation is essential for soft and smooth skin. Among the preferred active ingredients to achieve this, several options are possible. Grain scrubs are often composed of sugar, sand, salts, broken nuts such as apricot, coconut, but also bamboo. In the past, it was also possible to use exfoliating microplastic particles, but their presence is now prohibited in rinse-off treatments.
When it comes to chemical exfoliants, two types of active ingredients are used depending on the treatment: acids (AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acids, BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acids, glycolic, malic or citric acids, etc.) or enzymes, often of plant origin (papain from papaya, bromelain from pineapple, for example). Sometimes, we find the presence of acids and enzymes in the same composition.
Another ingredient of choice to promote cell renewal is Blue Skincare's active mother-of-pearl. The latter promotes the regeneration and repair of all types of body tissues when applied topically or consumed as a dietary supplement. Its secret? A lamellar structure – made of different small bricks, associated with each other by a kind of cement very similar to that of the horny layer, whose bricks (corneocytes) are linked together by the intercorneocyte cement. Also, using mother-of-pearl in cosmetics is the assurance of strengthening the very structure of the skin.
Dry brushing, smoother skin every day
Skin cell renewal is generally the same on the face or on the body. The active ingredients used in the treatments are roughly the same. However, since the skin on the body is thicker and therefore more resistant, it is also possible to dry brush it every day or several times a week depending on the type of skin. Using an exfoliating brush made with animal and/or industrial hairs also helps to eliminate dead skin, but also to stimulate blood circulation in the process, while allowing to better evacuate accumulated toxins by draining the lymphatic system. As a result, the body has a more effective immune system, the skin has less cellulite and orange peel skin.
Perfecting your skin cleansing
Two to three times a week for example, if your skin type allows it, use a cleansing brush – preferably electric because they are more effective – which allows you to clean your skin more deeply. The mechanical action of the bristles is ideal for removing all residues present on the skin, including small dead skin cells.
More intense, and therefore to be preferred every one to three months regardless of your skin type, skin cleansing to be carried out in a beauty center using a specialized machine (Hydrafacial®, Jet Peel®, Hollywood Peel by Lutronic, Aqua Touch H2 by Deleo). In about thirty minutes, they clean and exfoliate the skin in depth at first, before taking care of it with a New Skin Serum .
Hydration, essential for healthy cells
A piece of advice that applies to both internal intake (what we drink) and external intake (what we apply to the skin): hydration. Ideally, we should consume between 1.5 and 2.5L each day, including the liquids consumed and the water contained in our food.
As for topical application, choose treatments rich in emollient active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid like NACRE ÉCLAT Regenerating Moisturizing Cream , squalane, glycerin, oils, vegetable butters or even minerals.
The importance of nutrition
If a varied and balanced diet ensures the well-being of the body, certain well-chosen ingredients contribute to good cellular renewal of the skin. For example, we can focus on foods rich in vitamins, and in particular vitamin C (citrus fruits, green vegetables, red fruits), whose antioxidant power helps fight against free radicals generated by aggressions, but also stimulates collagen synthesis to have supple and elastic skin.
Also to remember: foods rich in vitamin A, which is found in animal proteins and dairy products.
Focus on restful sleep
Like the rest of our body, skin cells work during sleep. They activate to eliminate the oxidation created by the aggressions suffered during the day and which can be harmful to the youthfulness of the skin.
Knowing that it is between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. that the work of cellular regeneration is the most intense, it is in our best interest to slip into bed before, without forgetting to apply a New Skin Serum , in order to prepare ourselves to spend the best of regenerating nights, ideally lasting eight hours.