The skin is sensitive, red, swollen and bloodshot, the skin is dim and dull, and color spots appear … These skin problems may all be related to [stratum corneum].
The stratum corneum has gradually become a skin problem that many women are concerned about.
What are the functions of stratum corneum?
The stratum corneum is on the most surface of human skin. The cells that make up the stratum corneum have no nucleus and can be considered to be composed of dead cells. Therefore, it is also called “dead skin”.
As an important skin protection system, stratum corneum actually has many important functions:
1. Protection function
Protect skin from various external physical, chemical factors and microorganisms.
2. Sunscreen
The stratum corneum can absorb a large amount of short wave ultraviolet rays (UVB) and play a role in sun protection.
3. Moisturizing function
Moisturizing factors in stratum corneum can reduce water loss and enhance skin’s own moisturizing ability.
It is precisely because stratum corneum plays such an important role that we do not recommend [exfoliating] in general.
Too thin stratum corneum can cause big trouble.
[Exfoliating] will reduce the skin’s protection ability, and external stimulation will easily invade, resulting in frequent skin allergy and red blood streaks in serious cases. It looks like [blowing bombs can break] skin, in fact, will bring a lot of trouble.
1. Skin allergy
Many patients with frequent facial allergies have traveled to many hospitals to check for allergens and spent a lot of money and time to [find out the culprit]. In fact, most of the time, the cause of allergy is the damage of their skin barrier, and slight external stimulation will cause skin allergy.
2. Spot
As mentioned earlier, the stratum corneum has the function of sun protection. The ability of the thin skin of the stratum corneum to defend against ultraviolet rays is also greatly reduced, which is easy to form color spots and other problems.
3. Difficult to recover
In many cases, human organs are [easy to destroy and difficult to repair]. [Exfoliating] is easy, but recovering the thinned stratum corneum is not so easy, requiring sufficient patience and careful care.
If the stratum corneum becomes thinner due to exfoliating products, etc., it should be stopped and can recover on its own under normal circumstances.
A minor problem with too thick stratum corneum
The stratum corneum is so important, why do many people want to [exfoliate]?
1. Too thick stratum corneum may also lead to skin problems.
The human body is a balanced system, and the stratum corneum cannot be too thin or too thick.
The stratum corneum is too thick, and too many keratinocytes block pores, which may cause sebum accumulation to be unable to be discharged, providing conditions for acne formation.
In addition, too thick stratum corneum will affect skin nutrition absorption and may also lead to skin problems such as large pores.
2. Too thick stratum corneum affects beauty,
This should be the reason why most female friends stick to the belief of exfoliation.
Indeed, thicker stratum corneum will bring some skin beauty problems, such as making skin look dark yellow.
However, under normal circumstances, the natural metabolism of the human body is normal, and the stratum corneum will naturally maintain an appropriate thickness.
How Science [Exfoliation]
If this is the case, [exfoliating] can make the skin look tender and smooth.
1. Common Exfoliating Products
Scrub cream is to use particles to mechanically rub the stratum corneum, which is simple and crude. It is easy to excessively damage the skin if you do not master it well. It is safer to use it on the back, hands and feet and other parts with thicker stratum corneum. It is best not to use it or use it less. Even if you want to use it, you should also choose products suitable for the face.
However, chemical stripping agents are often used as raw materials for chemical skin replacement by hospitals and other professional institutions. The concentration needs to be high to achieve curative effect, and it is best to be operated by dermatologists.
2. Frequency of facial exfoliation
First of all, no exfoliating product can be used every day like moisturizing cream.
Because the renewal period of stratum corneum needs at least 2 weeks, frequent exfoliation will destroy the protective function of stratum corneum and do more harm than good.
Appropriate exfoliation frequency varies according to skin type:
- Generally, oily skin can be used 1 ~ 2 times a week. Dry, neutral and mixed once every 2 weeks, with emphasis on area T (forehead and nose); Sensitive skin should be more cautious, and it is better not to exfoliate.
The stratum corneum is the first protection system for skin. Don’t pursue beauty too much. For the sake of health, you should take good care of these [barriers].
How Care for Skin Sensitivity:
Step 1 Do not over-clean your skin
Avoid foam or soap-rich cleaning products.
Step 2 Calm and soothe your skin
Try to wash your face with cold water all the year round to enhance skin tolerance. When allergic attacks occur, use cold spray or cold compress to minimize the use of external hormones.
Step 3 Enhance Moisturizing
Use products with strong moisturizing effect to make moisturizing facial mask regularly.
Step 4: Choose mild skin care products
Selecting mild, non-alcoholic perfume preservatives and other skin care products can better protect skin and promote the recovery of skin barrier.
Step 5: Pay Attention to Diet
Avoid spicy, stimulating and alcoholic drinks.
Editor: Zhang Qing
Author: Li Qianqian