You could be cleansing, using all your serums, and putting on sunscreen, but if you don’t exfoliate, you’re not doing skincare correctly!

What Does Exfoliating Do?

Our Skin is a living barrier between the inside of our bodies and the outside world. This living barrier has many layers to it, each layer works to replace the outermost layer as it gets damaged. These damages can appear as dark spots, wrinkles, and loss of collagen. To correct this we must help our bodies with the natural process of shedding skin. As we age the shedding of skin or desquamation, slows down. This causes the damage on our skin to become more visible. Fortunately, we can improve the appearance of our skin by speeding up the process of desquamation by exfoliating. When we exfoliate we remove the topmost layer of our skin to reveal new, undamaged skin underneath. Sometimes this process must be done several times to get the desired effect.

Is Exfoliating Really Necessary?

Absolutely! Without proper exfoliation, dead skin cells can build up and get trapped in pores. When this happens it leads to; clogged pores, rough skin texture, dark spots, more pronounced wrinkles, dullness, and dryness. Proper exfoliation sweeps dead cells off the skin to reveal smoother, glowing skin. Other benefits of exfoliating include:

Unclogs Pores
Reduces Blackheads
Minimize the appearance of pores
Sweeps away fine lines and wrinkles
Detoxifies the skin by stimulating microcirculation
Controls excess oil
Brightens dull skin
Improves overall tone
Softens skin texture
Enhances skin clarity
Lightens hyperpigmentation
Helps skin behave younger
Controls excess oil

How to exfoliate your Skin

Exfoliation is dependent on skin type and goals. There are two types of exfoliation, Chemical and Physical. Don’t be put off by the word chemical! It only means how the exfoliation takes place. Both methods remove dead skin and should be used one to three times a week. Choosing the correct exfoliator allows for serums and moisturizers to properly sink in, which means more bang for your buck!

Physical Exfoliators

Physical exfoliators such as; microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, scrubs, crystals, micro-fine granules and natural beads work against the top layers of the skin to remove dead, dulling surface cells via rubbing and sloughing. Professional treatments such as microdermabrasion and dermaplaning are great for those with scars, wrinkles and stretch marks.

You can also perform your own physical exfoliation at home with scrubs, gommages, towelets, ect. At home treatments can vary in their ability to exfoliate—it all depends on what kind of product you buy. Your typical drugstore scrub will have granules that are too large or have microspikes, which causes micro tears in the skin. It is also important to note that some physical exfoliators are not as gentle or effective as chemical exfoliation.

If you are using a Physical exfoliator apply a pea sized amount to moist skin and gently massage in a circular motion. Make sure to keep your motions gentle, because if you apply too much pressure you can actually injure the skin and cause PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Rinse off with water then follow with your moisturizer and SPF (if it is daytime) or nighttime anti-aging and brightening products (if it is nighttime).

Chemical Exfoliators
Chemical exfoliators use ingredients such as; enzymes (including fruit enzymes), alpha hydroxy acids (lactic or glycolic), and beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid). Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are derived from natural substances and are ideal for exfoliating dry skin. AHAs remove the “glue” that holds skin cells together, meaning the cells themselves detach. When this happens it gives skin a “smooth” look. The downside is that AHAs are water soluble, meaning they cant penetrate very deep into the skin.

On the other hand, Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) are oil soluble molecules meaning they penetrate deep into the skin. BHAs work by breaking down the bonds between cells, they are also anti- inflammatory and antibacterial, making them excellent for acne-prone, oily skin. If blackheads are a concern a salicylic acid peel is the way to go!

If you have had irritation with AHAs or BHAs and have sensitive skin, an enzyme is a better match. Enzymes like papain and bromelain breakdown keratin in skin, meaning only the top most layer of skin is exfoliated. For Chemical exfoliators it is important to read the instructions! All Chemical exfoliators require a clean face, after cleansing usually you apply a thin layer and leave it on for a few minutes, some do not require a rinse off at all. Always follow with the appropriate serum and moisturizer.

In Conclusion…
Don’t skip your exfoliation! It is prudent to your skins health. It is also a good idea to see a skin care professional for a deeper exfoliation and clean.

Book your chemical peel today! Book your appointment or call us at 1(720) 503 – 1100