The goal is not to beat the skin into submission
I’ve heard this a time or two, ‘I don’t know if this serum is doing anything.’
I wish there was a magic potion that could turn back the hands of time – at least for our skin. I suppose this is why we resort to botox, fillers, and perhaps even a face lift. But when it comes to skin health, it takes time. Healthy skin and meaningful change is the culmination of healthy lifestyle, diet, yes – genetics, and of course proper home care, consistency, and patience.
Understanding how the skin functions may help manage our expectations.
Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It is comprised of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the topmost layer of skin – the one you can see and feel on the surface, and the layer we are working with. It contains up to five layers (depending on body location), each with an important role. These 5 layers constantly renew themselves in a process we refer to as our cell renewal cycle.
In younger skin, say in our 20’s, renewal may occur more quickly, roughly 28 days. Being in my 50’s, I’m looking at 50-60 days. Ugh. As you may suspect, as we age, this process naturally slows, and factors such as stress, hormones, sun exposure, inflammation, dehydration, medications, and lifestyle, to name a few (haha) can influence the pace. And this cell renewal cycle is something we must consider when we are trying to outpace the aging process or make meaningful changes in our skin conditions. There’s no two ways around it
Our lifestyle habits and the care we show our skin encourages healthier function within the skin. But the skin needs time to:
- Improve hydration and barrier function
- Normalize the natural shedding of dead skin cells
- Support collagen and elastin production
- Gradually address uneven pigmentation
- Reduce the appearance of congestion and inflammation
- Strengthen its ability to protect and repair itself
Sure, some results may be noticeable immediately, such as increased hydration. Other changes, such as collagen renewal and the fading of pigmentation, for example, typically require more time, consistency, and again, patience. These conditions didn’t happen overnight, and they won’t correct overnight.
The goal is not to beat the skin into submission to force change. The goal is to create an environment where each layer of the skin can function effectively. Healthy skin is not necessarily skin that is constantly being stimulated. It’s skin that is balanced and supported by your daily lifestyle habits, including supportive home care and your at-home devices and in-office treatments. Yes – I love being on this journey with you. Team work makes the dream work. ;)
