Hey Reader!
Can you believe that January is already over?! It’s a leap year so February will be a little bit longer than usual, but man it seems like the year is already flying by!
We are still working our way through our Brightening Series because winter is the best time to focus on fading those stubborn dark spots.
I started Relatable Science to help you decipher through all of the marketing hype around skincare to find the products and ingredients that actually work for you.
So far we have covered the biological basics of hyperpigmentation and brightening, and now for the last three weeks, we have been talking about Building Your Brightening Routine. In this installment of the Relatable Skincare Report, we are talking all about– Ingredients that Enhance Cell Turnover.
✨Why is Cell Turnover Important in Brightening✨
Once melanin packages are grabbed by your skin cells, keratinocytes they become semi-permanent pigmentation in your skin. The skin cells slowly migrate from the lower layers of your skin barrier to the outermost layer which can be sloughed off naturally or with exfoliation.
This process typically takes 4-6 weeks so to help speed it up you can add ingredients to your routine that increase cell turnover. Cell turnover is a fancy term that just means how quickly new skin cells are produced.
If you speed up how quickly new skin cells are produced you will also increase how quickly cells move from the lower layer to the outermost layer. Which ultimately means clearing those stubborn dark spots faster.
✨Ingredients that Speed Up Cell Turnover✨
Retinoids: The Gold Standard
Retinoids, including the famous retinol, are powerhouse ingredients known for promoting cell turnover. They stimulate the production of new skin cells. Over-the-counter retinoids are effective, but the most effective in the category have to be prescribed by a doctor.
If you really want to give one of the powerhouse retinoids like tretinoin a try find a dermatologist you trust to get a prescription and to make sure you use it properly.
Peptides: A Less Effective But Alternate Option
Some peptides have some evidence they can also promote cell turnover. They are nowhere near as effective or science-backed as retinoids, but if you are a person who has tried retinoids and they are too harsh for your skin this can be a great more gradual option.
If you are interested in trying the peptide approach to cell turnover, look for products with oligopeptides which are fragments of growth factors.
Remember, the key to incorporating these ingredients into your skincare routine is consistency. Start with one ingredient at a time, observe how your skin responds, and gradually introduce new elements for a personalized approach to skincare.
Although these ingredients help speed up cell turnover, it will still take 2-4 weeks to see a noticeable change in your skin.
Have you tried retinol or a peptide product to help clear your hyperpigmentation? I would love to know what products you tried.
For more expert insights and product recommendations, stay connected with Relatable Science. We’re here to guide you on your journey to luminous and healthy skin.
Wishing you a radiant skincare experience! Until Next Week 🙂
Allison