But then one day a light went on. Skin ultimately comes from the insight out. The epidermis (the outer layer of skin) consists of two principal layers: an outermost, laminated sheet of dry anucleate cornified cells and a living inner cell layer from which the surface cells arise by differentiation. In other words, the epidermis consists of a basal cell layer of keratinocytes which function as the germinative layer. Human epidermis is in a constant state of turnover or self-replacement. As the basal keratinocytes divide, some of the daughter cells are displaced outward and then differentiate through successive overlying layers to enter the stratum corneum. The process takes about 30 to 40 days. The outermost cornified cells desquamate into the environment as they are continually replaced from below. Over most of the body surface, the stratum corneum varies within a range of 15 to 20 cell layers. It is these two facts which serve as the basis for resurfacing techniques used in facial skin rejuvenation. By using dermabrasion, skill peels, or laser therapy, that is either sanding, a chemical reaction, or heat to remove a few cell layers one can expose younger, healthier cells. There are,however. drawbacks and complications associated with these procedures.

For Dr. Jan, there was one more interesting part to this puzzle. The time of transit for a cell from the lowermost part of the stratum corneum to the surface was more than two weeks. Considering the time required for replacement of germinative cells, the normal human epidermis takes from two to three months to completely renew itself. With advancing age, the replacement rate decreases, requiring the corneocytes to reside at the skin surface for longer periods of time. The cells thus become more weathered, resulting in greater than normal water loss, decreased wound repair, decreased perception of pain, and impaired barrier properties.

But what if, Dr. Jan reasoned, you could increase epidermal cell renewal through cosmetics and nutritional intervention? Science tells us we can increase the cross-linking of collagen fibers by increasing the intake of vitamin C. Could one also increase the production of epithelial cells and cell turnover by giving the body the substrates it needs to make cells? Can you not drive reactions in that direction by supplying the precursors used by the body to make skin? Cannot old, weather-beaten cells be replaced more rapidly by fresh, healthy, supple, new cells?

That hypothesis led to the formation of JRA Nutridermaceuticals, and it is precisely that observation that led to the creation of Rudalgo, an aesthetic endo-nutridermaceutical. Rudalgo is the future of skin care, today!