The Skin Care Benefits of Exfoliation
Exfoliate Regularly to Improve Skin Tone & Quality
Oct 27, 2009
At birth, when the human body is new and the organs are just starting to work on their own, a person’s skin cells turnover every seven days. New cells are born, rise up to the surface, die off and form a protective layer around the face and body. These cells are shed easily, usually during bath time, and the cycle continues.
Time vs. The Skin
Over time, however, this process begins to slow down. As a person ages, so does her skin. Seven days become 20 or 30, or longer, and layers build up. Some of those layers are good to have, particularly in protecting against environmental factors like pollutants, UVA rays or other free radicals that can damage the skin and body.
Unfortunately, too many layers can have negative side effects as well. The outer layers become more stubborn, more firmly cemented together, and regular bathing is no longer enough to set them free. In turn, the new healthy cells become trapped underneath with some unsavory characters, like dirt and oil.
Negative Side Effects
As dead skin cell layers build and new skin stays put, some noticeable changes may occur to the face and body:
- Uneven texture. Skin can become dry and patchy in some places and oily in others.
- Acne. As dirt, oil, and dead skin cells become trapped, a blackhead may form. If the skin produces p. acne bacteria in response, a full-blown pimple or face-wide breakout will occur.
- Discoloration. Dead skill cells damaged by UVA rays may produce more melanin, leading to darker pigmentation in places.
- Dullness. The natural glow of the healthy skin cells underneath is blocked by the excess dead skin.
For all of these conditions, the prescription is the same: regular exfoliation.
What is Exfoliation?
The process of removing dead skin cells from the body is called “exfoliation.” Methods for exfoliation vary, from scrubs and masks to chemical peels, but the desired end result is the same. Some methods can be quite harsh, causing temporary redness or irritation, but good exfoliation need not be a painful experience. Using a well-balanced product in the correct way is safe, healthy, and necessary to maintaining skin’s quality.
It is important to note that overzealous exfoliation or overuse of the product can lead to over-dryness and irritation, exposing the newly developed cells prematurely. Always follow the product’s instructions and discuss concerns with a skin care professional when in doubt.
Benefits of a Good Exfoliating Agent
Once regular exfoliation becomes part of the routine, some visible benefits should start to appear after about two weeks of use:
- Improved skin tone, glow, and clarity.
- Clearer pores and a reduction of acne.
- Even skin coloring.
Scrubs containing fruit enzymes, Vitamin C or other antioxidants, or jojoba beads add extra benefits, like free radical protection and skin brightening. Avoid harsh alpha-hydroxy masks or painful scrubbing agents like apricot or nut shells, as these will leave skin inflamed.
Helpful Tips
Before getting started, these helpful hints shoud be considered:
- For those with naturally oily skin, exfoliation is required more often than in the case of dry skin. Extra dead skin cells and oil can cause a breakout, so keeping regular dates with a good exfoliating scrub keeps pores clear.
- Body or foot scrubs should never be used on the face. The dermis on the face is much more sensitive than that on the body so body scrubs are far too harsh and can damage skin on the face.
- Daily scrubs are a bad idea, as they typically aren't strong enough to actually accomplish good exfoliation. Using a stronger exfoliating agent twice a week is more productive.
- Masks and peels work better AFTER the skin has been exfoliated. Pulling off the top layer of dead skin with a good scrub, allows the mask to reach into the pores and do its job.
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