Demystifying the Skin Cell Cycle: Understanding the Journey of Renewal

In the realm of skincare, the term “cell turnover” is frequently thrown around, but what exactly does it entail? At the core of healthy, radiant skin lies the fascinating process known as the skin cell cycle. This intricate journey of renewal is orchestrated by our body’s own biological mechanisms, continuously replenishing and rejuvenating the outermost layer of our skin. Join us as we delve into the depths of the skin cell cycle, demystifying its phases and uncovering the secrets to maintaining a vibrant complexion.

The Basics of Skin Cell Renewal:

Before we embark on our exploration of the skin cell cycle, let’s first grasp the fundamentals. Our skin is comprised of several layers, with the outermost layer, known as the epidermis, serving as our body’s frontline defense against external aggressors. Within the epidermis reside various types of cells, each playing a unique role in the skin’s function and renewal.

Phase 1: Birth and Differentiation (Basal Layer):

The journey of a skin cell begins in the basal layer of the epidermis, where stem cells reside. These remarkable cells possess the remarkable ability to divide and differentiate, giving rise to the diverse array of cells that populate the epidermis. As new cells are born, they undergo a process of specialization, transforming into keratinocytes, melanocytes, and other specialized cells essential for skin health.

Phase 2: Migration (Spinous Layer):

Once born, newly formed keratinocytes embark on a journey towards the skin’s surface. This migration occurs as cells move upwards through the layers of the epidermis, facilitated by intricate cellular signaling mechanisms. Along the way, keratinocytes undergo structural changes, acquiring the necessary components to fulfill their role in maintaining skin integrity and barrier function.

Phase 3: Maturation and Transformation (Granular Layer):

As keratinocytes continue their ascent, they enter the granular layer of the epidermis, where they undergo further maturation. During this phase, cells accumulate keratin proteins and lipids, essential for strengthening the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss. Additionally, specialized structures called lamellar bodies form within keratinocytes, aiding in the secretion of lipid-rich substances that contribute to skin hydration and protection.

Phase 4: Exfoliation and Shedding (Stratum Corneum):

At the culmination of their journey, keratinocytes reach the outermost layer of the epidermis, known as the stratum corneum. Here, they undergo a remarkable transformation, flattening and losing their nuclei to form a cohesive barrier of dead skin cells. Over time, these cells are shed from the skin’s surface in a process known as desquamation, making way for newly generated cells to take their place.

Maintaining Skin Cell Vitality:

While the skin cell cycle is a natural and continuous process, several factors can influence its efficiency and efficacy. Environmental stressors, hormonal fluctuations, and aging can all impact the rate of cell turnover, leading to concerns such as dullness, uneven texture, and signs of aging. Fortunately, a variety of skincare ingredients and practices can help support and optimize the skin cell cycle, promoting a healthy and vibrant complexion.

Conclusion:

In the intricate tapestry of skincare, the skin cell cycle stands as a cornerstone of cellular renewal and rejuvenation. By understanding the phases of this remarkable journey, we gain insight into the mechanisms that underpin skin health and vitality.


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The Importance of Education in the Beauty Industry.

When we consider education in its entirety, it can sometimes feel like a tedious chore. Why invest our hard-earned money in a mundane course where we’re unlikely to learn anything new?

Allow me to offer a fresh perspective through some thought-provoking Q&A, drawing from my over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry in New Zealand.

Why do I need a course to teach me how to perform a beauty service?

The beauty industry operates on skills, which complicates the educational approach. Beauty services can pose significant risks if not executed properly, potentially causing long-term harm to clients, even leading to serious health issues like cancer. Beauty courses provide essential knowledge about contraindications, product usage, and troubleshooting, ensuring not only effective results but also minimizing potential harm.

Why can’t I learn from YouTube or TikTok?

In this digital age, we’re inundated with various educational platforms, which is undoubtedly advantageous. However, it’s crucial to recognize the business dynamics behind YouTube and TikTok educators, where monetization and credentials often take precedence. Many social media educators lack industry knowledge or proper credentials to serve as trainers. Even if credentials are present, their content is typically heavily edited for engagement, sacrificing depth for entertainment. While engaging content might be enjoyable to watch, it often lacks the comprehensive insight needed to excel in your beauty business journey.

What are the regulations in New Zealand for running a beauty business?

In New Zealand, it’s imperative to hold a Health Protection license, attainable only through training from a recognized New Zealand academy. Our beauty courses provide a certificate of completion, a prerequisite for obtaining a Health Protection License. Additionally, we offer personalized consultations to guide clients through establishing and growing their beauty businesses.

I find studying so tedious. Beauty courses are lengthy, and I still struggle to perform the service afterward. What’s the point?

In an age where attention spans dwindle amidst a sea of distractions, traditional lengthy courses can be daunting. Recognizing this, we founded Beautique Academy, dedicated to offering innovative, engaging, and concise courses that captivate from beginning to end. We prioritize both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, striving to be at the forefront of beauty education worldwide.

In conclusion, education is a priceless gift. While it may remain tucked away in the closet for some time, its value becomes apparent when needed. Investing in education not only ensures the safety of yourself as a beauty business owner but also instills confidence and trust in your clientele.

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Salon Sanitization: Protecting yourself & your clients.

Studies have shown that high-touch surfaces in public settings, including those found in beauty salons, can harbor significant amounts of bacteria and viruses. For example, one study found that common salon tools such as nail files, foot files, and buffers can harbor bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa if not properly sanitized between uses.

Similarly, viruses such as the influenza virus and rhinovirus can survive on surfaces for varying lengths of time, depending on factors such as humidity and temperature. This means that surfaces in beauty salons can potentially harbor viruses if not adequately cleaned and disinfected.

This is the scary reality of working in a space that has many people coming in and out. We never know what sort of hygiene practices someone has so it becomes empirical to have proper sanitization practices to run and maintain a beauty salon.

Here is a list of Sanitization practices you should have in your beauty business.

  1. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces that come into contact with clients and staff, including countertops, chairs, tables, and door handles.
  2. Sanitize Tools and Equipment: Disinfect all tools and equipment used between clients, including scissors, combs, brushes, nail clippers, and tweezers. Use EPA-approved disinfectants or implement an autoclave or UV sterilizer for certain tools.
  3. Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage staff to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after each client interaction, after handling money, and after using the restroom.
  4. Provide Hand Sanitizer: Make hand sanitizer readily available for both clients and staff to use throughout the salon.
  5. Use Disposable Items When Possible: Whenever feasible, use disposable items such as disposable gloves, towels, and capes to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
  6. Clean Towels and Linens: Launder towels, capes, and linens using hot water and detergent after each use. Store clean linens in a clean, dry area away from potential contamination.
  7. Maintain Clean Floors: Regularly sweep and mop floors to remove hair, dust, and debris. Pay special attention to areas where hair clippings tend to accumulate.
  8. Sterilize Multi-Use Tools: For tools that cannot be disposed of or adequately disinfected with chemical solutions, such as metal implements, use methods like autoclaving or UV sterilization to ensure they are free from pathogens.
  9. Regularly Clean and Disinfect Foot Spas: If your salon offers pedicure services, ensure that foot spas are cleaned and disinfected between each use according to manufacturer guidelines.
  10. Educate Staff on Sanitization Protocols: Provide training to staff on proper sanitization procedures and ensure they understand the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.

By implementing these sanitization practices consistently, beauty salons can help protect the health and safety of both clients and staff while maintaining a professional and reputable establishment.

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The Battle of the Scrubs ⚔️

How many times have you gone to the mall to upgrade your skincare routine and been overwhelmed with the number of choices and brands?

Are scrubs even good for you or bad?

What is the difference between an exfoliant and a scrub?

What about the microbeads that have been banned from the US?

Is a fruit seed or coffee scrub too harsh?

Will scrubbing my face cause acne?

I need you to first take a loooooong Deeeeeeep Breaaaaaath. Let me help you a little,

Lets break it down a little: Exfoliants and Scrubs are essentially the same thing, the purpose of these products are to remove dead skin cells and clean impurities from the top most layer of the skin. Our skin cells naturally go through their renewal cycle and we lose skin cells naturally. Exfoliants and scrubs accelerate this cycle.

An Exfoliant can be a chemical or mechanical agent used to remove the outermost layer of the skin whereas a scrub is usually a cream-based product that contains seeds, and microbeads which when rubbed onto the skin acts as a mechanical agent to remove dead cells.

A chemical exfoliant is usually an acid-based product that dissolves dead skin cells.

The good

1. Stimulates blood flow to the skin which stimulates cell production.

2. Products applied after scrubbing absorb in the skin much better as the top layering has been removed.

3. Makes the skin brighter and more even in the long run.

4. Removes impurities and clears congestion

5. Frees the ingrown hairs from the skin making them easier to remove.

The bad

1. Harsher rubbing on the skin can irritate and remove more layers of the skin.

2. If a product to close the pores is not applied right after, high chances of contamination can follow which can cause whiteheads.

3. Some micro exfoliants are not biodegradable and are not good for the environment.

Overall i do feel as if the positives overtake the negatives if used correctly,

You should essentially be using a scrub twice a week, there is no need to go beyond that as it won’t make any further difference. After using an exfoliant, add a serum and a moisturizer right after to maximize the results and close the open skin pores.

The real mystery remains,

WHICH ONE?!?! Having 100’s of different brands, choices, and textures… let me share my faves.

Tatcha – The Rice Polish Deep

This is a great scrub for people with acne and sensitive skin, This is basically a powder that is activated with water. You can adjust the consistency of this powder according to the amount of water you put in it. It starts to foam up a little and then you apply it to your face. It is definitely quite brightening and has very active ingredients. The downside of this is messiness, if you are a neat person then this might not be it for you, as the powder seems to go everywhere and trying to get the perfect amount of water everytime can get a little annoying. This sits at a very high price point at around $115.00 NZD.

Rating

7/10 – On Skin Results

5/10 – Cleanliness

5/10 – Price

Total = 17/30

In 2rd place we have: L’oreal Paris Pure Sugar Scrub

This is a great scrub for its price, it is natural ingredient based and contains sugar and fruit seeds. It also smells wonderful and results in bright glowing skin. The downside of this is the consistency and the sweetness. The sugar tends to get inside the nails and it can be bit hard to remove as it sticks on the skin quite tightly. If you are new at exfoliating this might be for you just because of how nice it smells and being a natural ingredient based scrub.

Rating

6/10 – On skin results

8/10 – Cleanliness

10/10 – Price

Total = 24/30

In 1stplace we have: Kate Somerville – Exfolikate Intensive Treatment

This is my personal favourite because the results are phenomenal – Everytime i use this scrub my skin is very bright and glowing. I get many compliments about how good my skin looks even if i dont do much more than use this once a week. The product smells a bit different and can take a bit of time getting used to it. It also tingles a little for the first 10 seconds as it contains both chemical and mechanical parts to it and according to me making it the ultimate exfoliant. I would not recommend this for very sensitive skin but for everyone else YOU MUST TRY THIS. It is on the high end side but the active ingredients in this make it worth it. You can even try the smaller sizes starting at approx $40 NZ.

10/10 – On skin results

8/10 – Cleanliness

8/10 – Pricing

Overall = 26/30

Written by Rupal Madaan

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How to get the longest wear of Gel, Acrylic or Dipping on Nails!

Over the last 7 years, My team and I have gotten the question over and over again as to why a certain product such as Gel, Acrylic, or Dipping doesn’t last long or chips prematurely on natural nails.

The biggest question that arises with this is whether is the product faulty. and the answer 99% of the time is NO… and let me explain to you why this is the case.

Our natural nail plate consists of natural oils, dirt, and microscopical beings such as bacteria as our hands are constantly working and touching different objects so the transfer of oils and chemicals is hard to avoid. When layering something on top of your nails that have not been correctly prepared will result in the product sliding off or chipping prematurely.

Nail preparation is the most important step of any nail enhancement as when the base layer is correctly prepared anything on top will last longer and will have a stronger hold. Think of the analogy of having a floor surface that is oily and dirty, if you were to place anything on top of this oily surface it would most likely slide off or fall. Similar to our nail plate when layering products on top.

Why nail preparation is so important:

– Neutralises the pH of the nail and brings it back to a pH of 7 which is ideal for layering.

– Light buffing will remove the dead cell layer from the top of the nail plate which means the fresh layer will be in contact with the product.

– Removes oils and dirt which is sanitary and prevents infections and fungi growth.

– Makes any product last way longer without harming the natural nails

– Product does not chip as it adheres way stronger.

Every time I train a new student or salon, my students always inform me with the conviction that so many salons are not doing all the steps during nail preparation, though there are no steps written in stone of what is “right” or wrong. If your nail tech has gone through certified training you will feel and see a difference in the way they perform and how long the product lasts.

So why then big chain salons do not perform the correct steps? The simple answer to that question is: They want to miss steps so that the service is not as long-lasting and you keep going back to them again and again. This means their business strategy is quantity, not quality.

These are the baseline steps of Nail preparation, whether you need a refresher or do your nails at home, These steps have been trialed and tested for years by our Nail Techs and trainers:

Base steps for Nail preparation:

  1. Cleaning the nails with IPA alcohol 70% or higher.
  2. Cuticle cleaning
  3. Shaping the natural nail with a filer
  4. Buffing the natural nail
  5. Removing filing dust with the use of alcohol
  6. Applying a PH bonding agent
  7. Applying the correct prep agent for the system being used eg Acrylic bonding agent before acrylic enhancements, Gel base coat, Dipping preparation agent.

Written by Rupal Madaan

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