In adulthood, skin is the healthiest in your twenties, typically when a person is 25 years old or so. The skin is able to repair itself relatively quickly as cell turnover is just under a month. The dermal layer is thicker at this age, which is important since that’s where supporting collagen and elastin fibres as well as the hydrating sweat and oil glands are located. The skin is more supple as well. However, over time the dermis becomes thinner while the epidermis (the upper layer of the skin) becomes thicker. The epidermis is comprised mainly of dead skin cells, which have traveled up to the surface from the dermis. While the epidermis serves as protective armour against the elements, the increasing accumulation of dead skin cells makes it more difficult to maintain hydration levels and elasticity. That’s why your skin gets drier and more wrinkled as you age. By the time you’re in your seventies, the rate of cell turnover slows to every 3 months.
The purpose of laser skin treatments and chemical peels is to reduce the thickness of the epidermis and facilitate cell turnover, so that moisture levels can increase and wrinkles are corrected. It is important that a good moisturizer is used after every treatment to nourish and protect your skin. Talk to your aesthetician to find out which moisturizer is suitable for you.