How does hydration assist in exfoliation?

The skin naturally exfoliates through the process of cellular renewal. For a young adult, skin cells regenerate approximately every 28 days. However, this process slows down over time. This can be due to various factors, such as age, hormonal changes, or exposure to certain external aggressions. Studies have shown that cellular renewal decreases by about 50% between the ages of 30 and 70. That's why it's beneficial to support this process by regularly using an exfoliant, about one to two times per week. This could be a mechanical exfoliant, commonly referred to as a scrub, or a chemical exfoliant, often fruit acid-based. In addition to removing dead cells that accumulate on the skin's surface, exfoliation helps to make the skin softer, the complexion brighter, contributes to eliminating imperfections, and optimizes the penetration of other treatments used afterward.

The effectiveness of exfoliation partially depends on the skin's hydration status.

Indeed, well-hydrated skin is supple and elastic, which facilitates the exfoliation process. The emollients found in moisturizing creams, balms, or gels help to soften the skin tissues and make the horny layer more flexible by increasing its hydration. This also helps to prevent skin dehydration and roughness. Once softened, the dead cells accumulated on the skin's surface are easier to remove during exfoliation. Moreover, this reduces the risks of irritation or micro-traumas, especially when exfoliation is done using grainy scrubs.

After exfoliating the skin, it is crucial to rehydrate it properly. Indeed, once stripped of a portion of its dead cells, the skin becomes temporarily more vulnerable, which can increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and feelings of tightness. Applying a hydrating treatment immediately after exfoliation helps the skin replenish its water reserves and trap this moisture in the skin tissues by forming a film on the skin's surface, reinforcing the hydrolipidic film that is naturally present. The skin is thus once again protected from dehydration, as well as from the penetration of pathogens.

To complement our exfoliating products, we offer a variety of moisturizing treatmentsat Typology.