How does hydration assist in exfoliation?

The skin naturally exfoliates itself 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 a exfoliant, about one to two times a week. This could be a mechanical exfoliant, commonly referred to as a scrub, or a chemical exfoliant, often based on fruit acids. 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 optimises the penetration of other treatments used afterwards.

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

Indeed, well-hydrated skin is supple and elastic, which facilitates the process of exfoliation. The emollients found in moisturising 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, particularly when exfoliation is done using grainy scrubs.

After exfoliating the skin, it is crucial to rehydrate it properly. Indeed, having shed some of its dead cells, the skin is temporarily more vulnerable, which can increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and also feelings of tightness. Applying a moisturising treatment immediately after exfoliation helps the skin to replenish its water reserves and trap this water within 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 accompany our exfoliating products, we offer a variety of moisturising treatments at Typology.