Exfoliation means that you are removing the oldest dead skin cells which tend to cling to the skin’s outermost surface. In case exfoliation is done correctly, it leaves the skin feeling smoother as well as fresher looking. Besides, it also makes penetration easier for the expensive facial products such as serums.
There are two types of exfoliation:
Mechanical Exfoliation – In this type, the dead skin cells are physically rubbed off with the help of an abrasive. Examples include a salt glow, a body scrub that uses sugar or coffee grounds, oatmeal, as well as skin brushing.
Chemical Exfoliation - In this type, enzymes as well as special acids (like alphahydroxy acids [AHAs] or betahydroxy acids [BHAS]) are used to loosen the glue-like substance which that holds the cells together, in order to allow them to fall away. Examples include facial peels. The chemical exfoliators can either be very gentle or very aggressive, depending on how strong that product is.
Exfoliation is Very Important
Typically, exfoliation is more important for people who are over the age of 40.
The skin is constantly generating new skin cells at the lower layer, the dermis and sending them to the surface, the epidermis. As these cells rise to the surface they gradually die and get filled with keratin. These keratinized skin cells are essential as they give our skin a protective quality. But these are constantly sloughing off in order to make way for younger cells.
As we age this cell turnover process tends to slows down. Cells begin to pile up unevenly on the skin’s surface, and give it a dry, rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation is important as it removes those cells which are clinging on, in order to reveal the fresher and younger skin cells below.
Basic Cautions While Using Facial Exfoliation:
You need to decide if you really need to exfoliate or not. Research the exfoliation product before you use it, you can even talk to a dermatologist, depending on your age as well as skin type.
Do not use a body scrub on the face, as they’re very rough and can do more harm than good.
With peels, never get two done in a row. You may end up exposing the dermis, and then land with scabbing or scarring. Never wax immediately after having a peel, as that will expose raw, living skin, which will have to scab over in order to heal.
Body Exfoliation:
Use a body scrub once or twice a week. A gentle way to exfoliate the body is by brushing the body in the morning.
Some experts feel that except people who have extremely oily skin, daily exfoliation is not really a good idea. Remember, the goal here is to remove the dead cells from the surface of the skin. It takes at least a few days for a sizeable amount of dead cells to accumulate, hence once or twice a week is sufficient for anybody who has decided to exfoliate. In case you exfoliate more often than that, you might remove too many living cells, which can increase the chance of irritation and skin damage.
In order to determine optimal frequency, look at your skin type, the strength of the exfoliates that you use, as well as the application technique. In case you develop increased sensitivity, irritation or dryness, it means that you are probably exfoliating too much.