Uncover your skin layer by layer ….
Did you know that collagen won’t work to remove wrinkles due to its large molecules so it just sits on the surface of your skin? Or, hydrating ingredients work best when they penetrate deep into the skin and not when left on the skin’s surface?
You may think all skincare is equal. The truth is, how deep your serums and moisturisers penetrate past your skin barrier will affect the efficacy of your skincare routine. And, if you’ve been wondering why all that good stuff is not working despite claiming to be the best, let us dig deeper and help you maximise your skinvestment.
Keep reading as we bring you through your skin – layer by layer and understand how it ALL works. No, you won’t need a degree in biology or chemistry to figure it out.
The Top Layer: Stratum Corneum and Epidermis
Let’s start with what our naked eyes can see!
Stratum Corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) – This is where the tough guys a.k.a. all the dead skin cells accumulate to form a shield to keep moisture in and baddies out (i.e. bacteria, irritants, allergens, etc.). It builds a waterproof house mostly made out of lipids (including organic compounds such as oils and hormones) to create a barrier. New baby cells are also forming at the lower epidermis which slowly push their way up to the surface layer to be replaced and shed.
Not forgetting that it is also home to your pores which regulate perspiration and transpiration, so that your skin can breathe and have that healthy glow. Yas!
However, at the same time it is protecting your skin from the nasties, it is also preventing skincare products from penetrating through the skin barrier and working their magic. Hence, it is essential to exfoliate your skin regularly to slough away accumulated dead skin cells, dirt and grime to boost skin’s absorption follow-on skincare and accelerate cellular metabolism.
The Middle Layer: Dermis
You can’t see them, but they are sitting just right beneath the epidermis. Very much like a network of interlacing connective tissue, the dermis contains collagen and elastin to hold and support the epidermis. This powerhouse layer carries oxygen and nutrients for your skin to flourish and gives it its elasticity. Talk about that QQ bouncy skin!
It consists of hair roots, nerve endings, blood vessels, and sweat glands that help to regulate body temperature and remove waste products. Besides, it is home to your oil (sebaceous) glands that keep your skin looking soft and smooth – like butter ~
The Bottom Layer: Hypodermis
Last but not least, the final one is where the fats are stored, providing the main structural support for the skin. The innermost layer hypodermis is the protective padding that insulates your body from cold weather and aids in shock absorption. Thank you, hypodermis!
Now that we have unveiled the three skin layers, let’s dive into how deep your skincare products should be penetrating your skin.
Lo and behold…
Moisturisers vs Serums
Yes, not all skincare is made equal.
Most serums are concentrated and highly infused with potent ingredients. No wonder they are considered to be vital in correcting skin problems (e.g., brightening, fighting blemishes, reducing fine lines etc). To make them work, they need to reach the lower epidermis and dermis where the new skin cells are produced. Magic time!
Contrariwise, moisturisers should stay at the stratum corneum layer to act as a sealant and prevent moisture from evaporating.
It’s tip time! You’re most welcome.
Pro tip: Start by applying serum and seal it in with your favourite moisturiser to lock all that (expensive) goodness deep into your skin.
Repeat after me: The only way is in and never out!
Try it out for yourselves now!
Enough with the scientific part, try these ést.lab products out to see the results for yourselves!
P.S.: Our LumiWhite 10% PHA Resurfacing Glow Serum is a gentle chemical exfoliator that only sits on the stratum corneum instead of reaching into the dermis, so that it is suitable for use by everyone, including people with sensitive skins, pregnant and/or breastfeeding mothers.
And … that’s it phew! We hope you now understand the different layers of skin and how deep your skincare should be penetrating. If layering skincare is an art-form, master it like you are Picasso. It takes time to porefect it!
In good hands,
Estetica
