Skin Series: Part 3

Hi! In Part 3, I'm going to explain the layers of the skin, and how products absorb.

• The layers of your skin

There are 3 main layers, Epidermis, Dermis, and the Subcutaneous Layer. The Epidermis is the outermost layer, the part that you put your serums on. It's made up of sebum, which is your skins natural oil that your body secretes, and dead skin cells. The dead skin is compacted so tightly, to hold in your body's moisture. Staying hydrated effects this layer the most. Your Cell Turnover is the rate at which your body sheds these dead cells and new ones are pushed to the surface from the Dermis. The Dermis is the middle layer, connected to the fat on your body. This is where your oil, and sweat glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings are located. When you get stretch marks from rapid weight gain or loss, the Dermis rips, and that is where the redish purple streaks come from. Your skin is not hydrated enough from the inside and out, and Collagen production and Cell Turnover can't keep up with your growth. The Dermis is where Elastin and Collagen are produced, which gives your skin the "snap back" that it has. As you age, your Cell Turnover slows, and you don't produce new skin to replace the old skin you are shedding. With Exfoliation, you can, for lack of a better word, scrape off the top layer of the Epidermis, revealing new baby-like skin, allowing your serums and creams to penetrate deeper.

• Product absorption

As your skin is, at this exact moment, it will absorb 68% of whatever you put on it. Be that good or bad. With Exfoliation, it can absorb up to 100%. This is why I don't use chemical sunscreens on my face. This is also why it's crucial for you to remove your makeup before bed. When you sleep, your skin is repairing itself, from sun damage, and the environment. You are also dehydrated when your sleeping, drink a glass of water before and after bed, I promise you will see results. When you put products on your face and neck while you're sleeping, your skin has time to properly absorb all the good ingredients in your night cream. If you don't use anything in the morning, load up at night. That is when it does the most good.