Cell Turnover: The Complete Australian Guide
Every day your skin naturally sheds old skin cells and replaces them with new ones. This ongoing process is known as cell turnover. Healthy cell turnover helps keep body skin looking smoother, brighter and more even, while slower turnover can contribute to rough texture, dryness and dull-looking skin.
Quick Answer
Cell turnover is the natural process of replacing old skin cells with new ones. As we age, this process generally slows, which may contribute to rough-feeling skin, uneven texture and a dull appearance. Gentle exfoliation together with hydration can support smoother-looking body skin.
What is cell turnover?
Skin cells are continually produced in the deeper layers of the skin before gradually moving towards the surface. Once they reach the outer layer, older cells naturally shed in a process called desquamation. Healthy cell turnover helps maintain smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Why cell turnover slows over time
- Natural ageing
- Sun exposure
- Dry skin
- Reduced skin hydration
- Environmental stress
- Lifestyle factors
Signs of slower cell turnover
Old skin cells remain on the surface longer, making skin feel rough.
Surface build-up can reduce skin radiance.
Dry skin often appears more noticeable when old cells accumulate.
Slower renewal may contribute to uneven-looking body skin.
Cell turnover and common body skin concerns
How glycolic acid supports surface renewal
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps loosen the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin's surface. This encourages natural exfoliation and helps improve the appearance of rough, uneven body texture.
Read the complete Glycolic Acid Guide
Healthy cell turnover also needs hydration
Exfoliation is only one part of the equation. Hydration and skin barrier support help maintain comfortable skin while surface renewal takes place.
| Skin Need | Supporting Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Surface Renewal | Glycolic Acid |
| Hydration | Glycerin • Urea |
| Barrier Support | Niacinamide • Shea Butter • Aloe Vera |
Can you speed up cell turnover?
Cell turnover is a natural biological process. While you cannot completely change your skin's biology, a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle exfoliation, hydration and sun protection can help support smoother-looking skin.
Remember: Healthy-looking skin is usually the result of consistency rather than aggressive treatment.
The Lotion's approach
The Lotion combines 12% glycolic acid formulated at pH 3.6–4.0 with urea, glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter and aloe vera to support exfoliation, hydration and healthier-looking body skin.
Support smoother-looking body skin
Discover The Lotion's body-first approach to exfoliation and hydration.
Shop The LotionFrequently Asked Questions
What is cell turnover?
Cell turnover is the natural process of replacing older skin cells with newer ones.
Does cell turnover slow with age?
Yes. Cell turnover generally becomes slower over time, which can contribute to rougher-looking skin and a dull appearance.
Can glycolic acid help support cell turnover?
Glycolic acid helps exfoliate the skin's surface by encouraging the removal of dead skin cells as part of the skin's natural renewal process.
Is hydration important for healthy-looking skin?
Yes. Hydration supports the skin barrier and complements exfoliation as part of a balanced body skincare routine.
How long does it take to notice improvements?
Everyone's skin is different. Consistent use of an appropriate skincare routine over time is generally more important than expecting overnight results.