Skin Regeneration & improving the appearance of scars

Damage to the epidermis does not leave scars. Injuries that penetrate through to the dermis do. The deeper the skin injury, the longer it takes for the skin barrier to be restored.

Renewal of the epidermis takes just fourteen days but depending on the depth of the wound the increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) may persist for 150 to 500 days.

While the epidermis is not functioning completely and the dermal remodelling is not completed, the barrier function of the renewed skin is problematic and needs special care in order to combat further water loss. This renewal process goes hand in hand with a dry, itchy skin that is much more sensitive, which is more easily penetrated by irritant substances, allergens and micro-organisms.

Essential Fatty Acids 

Linoleic and linolenic acids are essential fatty acids that are not produced by the body. They have to be ingested in the form of food. These fatty acids are necessary for the synthesis of cell membranes and prostaglandins, for defence and growth mechanisms and for the physiological and biochemical procedures of cell regeneration. Linoleic acid is necessary for the formation of ceramides in the intercellular space and involved in the skin barrier. A lack of these essential fatty acids leads to flaky skin with increased porosity. Several surveys have confirmed the positive effects of locally applied essential fatty acids.; local application of linoleic and linolenic acid slows down the trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and the emergence of elements that increase the risk of inflammation.

(Information taken from NAQI website)