Skincare Basics ②: Skin Turnover and the Vital Role of Nutrition

 

Introduction: The Key to Beautiful Skin Lies in Its "Renewal Cycle"

In our last article, we learned that our skin is composed of three layers: the Epidermis, the Dermis, and the Subcutaneous Tissue.

Today, we will focus on a mechanism within the epidermis that directly governs the condition of our skin: "turnover".

We often hear the word "turnover," but why do skin problems occur when this cycle is disrupted?

And why is "nutrition from within" so incredibly important for maintaining a healthy cycle?

By the end of this article, you will have a deep understanding of how not only your skincare but also your diet is intricately linked to the beauty of your skin.

What is Skin Turnover? A Look at the Skin's "Self-Renewal System"

In simple terms, skin turnover is "the metabolic cycle in which new skin cells are created, and old ones are shed".

This remarkable self-renewal system primarily takes place in the outermost layer of our skin, the epidermis.

1. **** New skin cells are born in the "basal layer," the deepest part of the epidermis.

2. [Growth] These new cells are gradually pushed upwards. During this process, they change shape and prepare to protect the skin.

3. **** After about 4 to 6 weeks, the cells reach the skin's surface, the "stratum corneum." Here, they become dead cells without a nucleus and fulfill their final duty as a "barrier" against external stimuli.

4. **** Having completed their role, these dead skin cells are naturally shed from the body as "dander".

When this cycle of approximately 4 to 6 weeks repeats smoothly, our skin can consistently maintain a fresh and healthy state.

Two Types of Skin Trouble Caused by Disrupted Turnover

While turnover is the key to beautiful skin, its cycle can be disrupted by factors like aging and lifestyle habits. This disruption typically falls into two patterns: the cycle becoming "too slow" or "too fast".

When the Cycle is "Too Slow"... It Causes

When the turnover cycle slows down due to aging or other factors, old skin cells that should have been shed begin to accumulate on the skin's surface.

• Dark Spots/Pigmentation: Old cells containing melanin are not properly discharged, leading to dark spots.

• Dullness: The buildup of old, dead skin cells causes the skin to lose its transparency and appear dull.

• Roughness/Uneven Texture: The thickening of the dead skin layer makes the skin feel hard and rough to the touch.

When the Cycle is "Too Fast"... It Causes

Conversely, if turnover becomes too fast due to harsh cleansing or irritation, immature cells are pushed to the surface before they are ready.

These underdeveloped cells have an incomplete moisture-retaining capacity and a weak barrier function.

As a result, moisture easily evaporates from the skin, and it becomes more susceptible to external irritants, leading to dry and sensitive skin.

The Key to Healthy Turnover: The Power of Nutrition from Within

So, how can we maintain a healthy turnover cycle?

Of course, external care like moisturizing and sun protection is crucial. However, what is equally, if not more, important is "nourishment from within."

This is because the "basal layer," where new skin cells are born, receives its nutrients from the capillaries running through the dermis.

In other words, the "materials" needed to create high-quality skin cells are delivered through the food we eat every day.

The following nutrients are particularly essential for a healthy turnover:

• Protein: The most fundamental building block of the skin itself.   

• Vitamin A: Helps with the normal differentiation of skin cells and maintains the health of the skin.

• B Vitamins: Assist in energy metabolism and support skin regeneration.

• Vitamin C: Not only helps produce collagen but also protects cells with its antioxidant properties.

• Vitamin E: Promotes blood circulation, helping to deliver nutrients to cells, and is a powerful antioxidant.

• Minerals (like Zinc): Support cell division and are essential for protein synthesis.

A balanced intake of these nutrients is the absolute foundation for maintaining a normal turnover cycle and cultivating radiant skin from the inside out.

Conclusion: Beauty is Built from Within

In this article, we've discussed the mechanism of "turnover"—the key to beautiful skin—and the vital role that "nutrition" plays in supporting this cycle.

• Turnover is the skin's self-renewal system that keeps it healthy.

• A disrupted cycle can cause various skin problems, from dark spots and dullness to dryness.

• Balanced "nutrition from within" is essential for a healthy turnover cycle.

No matter how expensive your serum is, its effects will be limited if your body lacks the nutritional building blocks to create healthy new skin cells.

True beauty is built from within.

Based on this principle, this blog will continue to deliver beauty and health information grounded in science.

Next time, we will take a closer look at collagen, the star player in the dermis that gives our skin its firmness. Stay tuned!