Why “increasing cell turnover” is aging you faster…

I have a lot of beauty industry pet peeves but this one is at the top of the list. “Speeding cell turnover” is touted a fountain of youth process…

I have major issues with this ideology and here’s why:

A cell only has so many divisions allotted to it (approximately 50 - 70). After every cell division the telomeres are shorter, indicating a shorter overall lifespan of that cell. So new cells aren’t “younger” than the one that preceded it. 

Slow aging is not about “increasing cell turnover” It’s about maintaining the health and vitality of the cells you have…

Intentionally damaging cells by traumatic means like over-exfoliating, overuse of peels/lasers etc is not in your best interest for slow aging. Here’s what to do instead. 

The ultimate slow aging practice is to promote & maintain a healthy environment for your cells to THRIVE. Where nutrients can flow IN and waste can flow OUT. 

CELL HEALTH PROMOTING ACTIVITIES:

Massage & movement in the skin/tissues

Lymphatic drainage

Gua Sha 

Kinesiology taping 

Facial exercises 

Touch and relaxation 

I also have issues with microneedling because collagen built in response to trauma is not the same collagen, it’s denser, more fibrotic, less pliable. I’m on the fence as to whether this is a good thing long term. 

My other pet peeve term is “improve product penetration”... Your skin works really hard not to be penetrated by foreign substances even if they are expensive “nutrient dense” serums. 

I’m going to stick to my sensitive skin friendly routine of gentle barrier supportive stuff and focus on internal cell environment health through Gua Sha, massage, touch, flow, sound therapy, relaxation, and embodiment. 

If this piques your interest, check out my podcast Embodied Beauty ~ episode 4 “Six practices for a younger face” on apple or spotify ~ book a session with me, or shop my slow aging, beauty & skin supportive workshops! 

Thanks for reading! LMK your thoughts!

Love, Krista