Today we are going to discuss how to safely exfoliate your skin but first exactly what is exfoliation.
Our skin consists of several layers of skin cells and it is continually producing new skin cells which begin at the lower layer known as the dermis moving through to the upper layer known as the epidermis, which is the surface of the skin. As the skin cells reach the surface they gradually die and naturally flake off.
Exfoliation is the means by which these dead skin cells are removed by a chemical granular substance or an exfoliating tool.
When this is done the glowing healthy skin cells beneath are revealed. This allows moisturising products to go more deeply into the skin thus making them much more effective.
Exfoliation has become an important element in the care of our skin both in body treatments and facials. It has the benefit of leaving our skin looking much smoother and younger.
Is it Important to Exfoliate?
Skin cell regeneration slows down as we get older and as a result the shedding of dead skin cells and the generation of new ones takes longer. What happens is a dull and a dry, rough look appears on the skin as dead cells pile up unevenly on the surface.
A Younger person doesn’t have the same problem. Her skin is exfoliating naturally and the regeneration of skin cells happens more quickly.
It is important to, especially for an older person, to Exfoliate as it removes those stubborn dead cells and the younger skin cells appear below.
It is also a fact that there can be a build-up of clogged pores and excess oil which can lead to acne and blemishes if the dead cells are not removed.
Your Skin is not as healthy as it could be if you are not exfoliating even if you are meticulous about cleansing and moisturising
Is it possible to over exfoliate?
While regular exfoliation is vital if you want a glowing healthy skin however it is important not to over exfoliate your facial skin. If you exfoliate too much your skin can become irritated, dry and damaged. Your skin can become sensitised and the fresh skin cells that you expose can become sensitive making your skin red and irritated. So, it is advisable to limit the exfoliation of your face to once a week otherwise you may do more harm than good.
It is also important to keep out of the sun for a while after you have exfoliated as UV rays can damage the new young skin cells.
The Several Benefits of Exfoliation
- People with blemished skin should definitely exfoliate, perhaps even twice a week. Again, over exfoliating will damage the skin so trying to strip the skin to kill bacteria will do more harm than good but keeping the skin clean after having removed the dead skin cells and then using a good moisturiser to hydrate the skin is the best remedy.
- Exfoliation is an excellent help for skin that is dry or dehydrated. Flaky or scaly areas can be removed but it is then important to apply a good moisturiser so that the new skin cells that have emerged are kept hydrated.
- Changes in hormonal balance, age or pregnancy can cause pigmentation (dark areas on the skin). As the skin ages these areas can become darker
- Pigmentation is the dark areas that come from age, pregnancy and changes in your hormonal balance. These areas tend to become more apparent and darker as the skin ages. Exfoliation breaks up cells that are pigmented and they begin to fade
- If you suffer from Clogged pores, it may be due to exposure to pollution and dirt which can cause the pile up dead skin cells. Exfoliation can get rid of the blackheads or whiteheads which cause congestion, particularly around the nose, neck and chin.
- You may enjoy getting a lovely Tan in the sun but if you do it is essential that you exfoliate first to rid your body of dead skin cells. In this way the sun will reach the new skin cells causing your Tan to last longer and look more even. It is important, however, to make sure you protect your skin when sunbathing and that you use a good moisturiser to keep it hydrated.
- Sometimes after waxing and when the hair is regrowing it cannot penetrate the skin because it is weak. A red spot develops around it. This is known as an in-grown hair. Exfoliating can remove the dead skin in that area and this allows the hair to break through.
- To enhance your general health and well-being exfoliation can increase the lymphatic system and blood circulation. This breaks down fatty tissues and drains toxins from the skin, encouraging new skin cells. The skin is then more ready to absorb a good moisturiser.
As we have seen, Exfoliation is an integral part of any skin care routine. It helps to kill bacteria and other problems that can damage the skin.
It can help to detoxify the skin by removing toxic dead skin cells.
It can help prevent sun damage and helps to reduce fine lines so improving the skin tone.
It allows for the greater penetration of moisturising creams and lotions.
Exfoliation is a must for a brighter complexion and a healthy and younger looking skin.
