In our July issue, we focused on the largest organ of the body, our skin, and how body treatments play an integral part in its overall health. Within our August issue we take this concept a step farther by focusing on exfoliation. Our skin holds us together and protects us from harm, but did you also know that it is constantly changing, always evolving and regenerating itself on an average of 28 to 31 days out of the year? As Jennifer Wild points out within her article, The Importance and Versatility of Exfoliating Treatments: "Cellular turnover cycles range from 22 to 50 days, but can vary considerably. This variation will depend heavily on age, lifestyle choices, poor health or immune dysfunction and sun exposure habits. Younger patients between the ages of 20 and 30 typically shed cells every 22 to 28 days. Once in the 30 to 40 age range, cells shed every 28 to 30 days. As patients reach their 40s, cells turn over every 35 to 40 days. Patients in their 50s can take up to 50 days to turn a full desquamation cycle; this is why regular exfoliating treatments are so important." The correlation between cellular turnover rate and age is important, as well as the environmental factors which play a significant role in the appearance of the skin. These outside and inside forces significantly strengthen the need for skin care professionals to find out if their clients include exfoliation in their skin care regimen. As Dr. Ahmed Abdullah mentions in his article, Educating Clients about Exfoliation to Generate Improved Results, sometimes a basic skin care regimen can be a challenge due to the competing recommendations that can be found on the Internet and in magazines. This confusion is why Abdullah believes it is beneficial to take just a few extra minutes to explain the rationale for exfoliation and walking clients through the proper steps involved. Within the remaining articles of this issue, exfoliation is dissected in further detail by authors who bestow their in-depth knowledge on new and traditional exfoliation treatments, technology, ingredients and how they each play a crucial role in the health and appearance of our skin. It is my hope that the articles within this issue inspire you to take the time to talk to your clients about their skin care regimen and how exfoliation plays a part. Use the knowledge you obtain as an opportunity to compliment them on a job well done or as a chance to educate them on ways they can pamper and nurture their skin even further. Best regards, Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.