Stop what you're doing and put down the body scrub! Exfoliation is a big step in any skincare regime but did you know that not every exfoliating product is right for everyone? So before you begin scrubbing off your skin cells, let's tackle the 'why we exfoliate' by first understanding the science behind it.
At the lowest layer of our skin (known as the dermis), our body is constantly producing new cells while pushing older skin cells up toward the epidermis (surface). Once they've reached the surface, these cells die and become filled with keratin which is known as the protein that gives our skin its protective abilities. These dead skin cells don't normally stick around too long as this cycle is ever-constant, replacing one another with younger cells cyclically. Et voila! That's the natural process of cell turnover or exfoliation that occurs in our body.
As we age, however, this process begins to slow down and can cause dead skin cells to accumulate on the surface of your skin. The result? You may have already noticed an uneven facial complexion, patchy elbows, scaly legs... If you're in need of a serious slough-down, it's time to take exfoliation into your own hands (get it?) and reveal fresher, younger looking skin.
In your teenage years, exfoliation will aid in the treatment of acne while also protecting your skin from any scarring those pesky pimples may cause. And as you age, exfoliation becomes even more important as it will help your skincare work better and harder at keeping your skin looking youthful.
Physical exfoliation is when you are mechanically rubbing the dead skin cells away using a brush or scrub like a Clarisonic or microdermabrasion. Scrubs work wonders on your body but depending on your skin type, may be too rough for your face. Whichever method you choose, make sure to always be gentle. Sloughing away dead skin cells too often or too aggressively can cause some serious damage to your skin.
At the lowest layer of our skin (known as the dermis), our body is constantly producing new cells while pushing older skin cells up toward the epidermis (surface). Once they've reached the surface, these cells die and become filled with keratin which is known as the protein that gives our skin its protective abilities. These dead skin cells don't normally stick around too long as this cycle is ever-constant, replacing one another with younger cells cyclically. Et voila! That's the natural process of cell turnover or exfoliation that occurs in our body.
As we age, however, this process begins to slow down and can cause dead skin cells to accumulate on the surface of your skin. The result? You may have already noticed an uneven facial complexion, patchy elbows, scaly legs... If you're in need of a serious slough-down, it's time to take exfoliation into your own hands (get it?) and reveal fresher, younger looking skin.
Who should exfoliate?
Everyone should exfoliate, regardless of their skin type. That being said, your skin type will help determine what form of exfoliation will work best for you, but we'll get into that soon.In your teenage years, exfoliation will aid in the treatment of acne while also protecting your skin from any scarring those pesky pimples may cause. And as you age, exfoliation becomes even more important as it will help your skincare work better and harder at keeping your skin looking youthful.
How do you exfoliate?
There are two types of exfoliating methods: chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation. Although the chemical may sound scary, it's actually one of the most beneficial ways to pump-up your cell-renewal. Chemical exfoliants are skincare products like AHA's, BHA's, Lactic Acid and fruit enzymes that will gently remove the top layer of skin without any harsh scrubbing. Chemical exfoliants can be either very gentle or quite aggressive, depending on the strength of the ingredient used.Physical exfoliation is when you are mechanically rubbing the dead skin cells away using a brush or scrub like a Clarisonic or microdermabrasion. Scrubs work wonders on your body but depending on your skin type, may be too rough for your face. Whichever method you choose, make sure to always be gentle. Sloughing away dead skin cells too often or too aggressively can cause some serious damage to your skin.
Acne-prone Skin - Suffering from acne? You too should stay clear of rough scrubs and instead choose a chemical exfoliant infused with glycolic or salicylic acids. This will clear out your pores without physically aggravating your breakouts.
Sensitive/Dry Skin - Pass on harsher physical exfoliants like apricot scrubs and opt for a milder approach, like a gentle cleanser with a low acid percentage.
Normal/Combination - Try a physical exfoliant infused with fruit enzymes that'll still be gentle enough for weekly exfoliation but will also reveal a smoother and brighter complexion.