Exfoliation: The Dos and the Don’ts!
The heat of Summer promotes sebum production and chances are your skin has not been able to regenerate properly. The result is a build-up of dead skin cells that can leave skin looking dull. For many of us the first thing we turn to is exfoliation – but how does this actually impact our skin health and is it really necessary?
The change of season is the perfect time to treat your skin with products that can restore health and vitality.
GERnétic approaches exfoliation very differently to other brands so let’s take a closer look and discover what your skin really needs.
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Traditionally this is achieved using a chemical, a granular substance or an exfoliation tool.
Did you know that your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells every 30 days, making room for new cells? This happens through the activity of an enzyme called the corneocyte. In some instances, dead cells don’t completely shed and the build up can result in dry, flaky patches and clogged pores.
The consensus is that exfoliation can prevent this. The problem is that you might be removing more than dead skin cells in the quest for a dewy, fresh complexion! Exfoliation can have a huge impact on the skin barrier, the health of which is paramount to long term skin health. This is at the heart of what GERnétic stands for.
Your Skin Barrier: the fortress
Let’s take a quick look at the skin barrier to understand why it is so vital.
The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is a specialised layer that protects the body from the harsh aspects of our environment; UV, pollution, toxic chemicals, infection to name a few.
This outermost layer of skin cells is held together by the lipid matrix, composed of ceramides, cholesterols and fatty acids. The skin barrier is often described as the bricks and mortar, which acts as a security guard for your skin, preventing potential problems passing through. If this barrier is weakened or damaged, irritants can penetrate and skin becomes sensitive, leading to a whole host of skin issues.
One of the most important functions of the skin barrier is to protect it from trans-epidermal water loss. As this term suggests, it locks in moisture to keep skin soft, supple and firm. When the skin barrier is damaged, the quick loss of water leaves skin feeling tight and dehydrated. Skin can suddenly become irritated, red and inflamed.
So, what impact do our choices have on the skin barrier? Well, a skincare routine can literally make or break it! Exfoliation is high on the list of what can break it!
The reason for this is because so many products and treatments on the market are incredibly aggressive – exfoliating peels or acids are way too harsh and so harmful to the protective acid mantle which is your skin’s first line of defense! Scientific research has shown that treating your skin in this aggressive manner will speed up the ageing process and triple your chances of developing pigmentation and hypersensitivity.
So, it’s time to look at the alternatives…
GERnétic’s Answer to Exfoliation
Dr Laporte, the creator of GERnétic, believed exfoliation was not a necessary part of a skincare routine due to its damaging effects. GERnétic is renowned for providing the skin with the essential nutritional molecules it needs to do what it does naturally. By giving the skin optimal doses, GERnétic boosts the skin’s ability to regenerate and repair itself.
This means that if you regularly use GERnétic products at home, often exfoliation is no longer a necessity:
GERnétic products contain the nutrition needed to maintain a healthy turnover of the epidermis cells, extending their life and preventing dead ones from building up on the skin’s surface.
However, Dr Laporte understood that we Australians are perhaps subject to some of the harshest and most aggressive climate conditions in the world and that in some cases exfoliation is required. However, it needs to be done in a way that respects the skin barrier.
In these circumstances GERnétic offers solutions that encourage the natural desquamation (exfoliating) process, in a timely and safe manner, without weakening the shielding and protective barrier of the epidermis.
GERnétic has developed a range of products to support this natural process, allowing your skin to do what it does best!
Here are some of the products we offer:
Marine Cleansing Gel contains micro-capsules which dissolve when rubbed, to release a polyolefine gel that gently removes superficial dead cells while also cleansing the skin. Use once or twice a week for best results.
GERnétic’s Flower Acid Serum boosts the activity of the corneocyte enzyme to very gently accelerate the desquamation process. It improves cellular renewal and promotes hydration and revitalisation.
GERnétic’s Ger Peel for face and body. Ger Peel works its magic by gently removing dead skin cells and enhancing cellular renewal; hydrating and energising your skin like never before. Micro circulation is improved and skin is ready to absorb your GERnétic products.
GERnétic is your skin’s answer to exfoliation without any harsh stripping. So, if your skin is struggling following the Summer heat find a GERnétic stockist near you and discover the gentle approach to healthy, vibrant skin all year long.