There are many types of exfoliants for skin care. It is a method used to remove the dead skin cells to improve the quality and appearance. As the skin cells are renewed the old skin cells harden and lose moisture building up on the surface of the skin creating a dull and dry appearance. Pores become clogged. Exfoliation removes the dead cells to stimulate the renewal of healthy skin cells creating a fresher, younger, and smoother skin.
Physical exfoliants are used with friction to remove the dead skin cells. With at brush or a gentle abrasive to scrub the skin’s surface. The products are designed for different skin types.
Chemical exfoliants remove the dead skin cells using Alpha/Beta Hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, retinol, and enzymes to smooth the skin by dissolving the intercellur that acts as a glue to attach the skin cells to the surface. Estheticians perform professional facials in six week treatments for the best and safest results with chemical exfoliants. Enzymatic and hydroxyl acids are commonly used for home procedures since they are safe and effective for home use. Glycolic acid was first used in cosmetic applications and is still used in most skin care products.
Maturing and aging skin has a slower process of skin cell renewal. As people age, the renewal process becomes difficult with the slower natural removal of the skin cells causing dull, thick, dehydrated skin with less tone and firmness. In youth, the skin cell renewal is 25-30 days as with maturity is can take up to 90 days. Removing the dead dry cells assists the appearance of the skin by hydrating, firming, and smoothing the skin. Exfoliations is effective on pre-maturing aging and mature skin since it stimulates the cell renewal faster than with the body’s natural functions.
Dry and dehydrated skin lacks moisture leaving the skin feeling tight and stretched. Many people tend to over moisturize that only leaves the old skin cells slicked to the surface appearing dull with uneven skin tones. Exfoliation removes the dead cells and moisturizes/hydrating the skin as needed. The skin care products help to reach deeper into the skin to help ease the dry dehydrated skin without having to apply heavy cream for moisturizing.
Oily and problematic acne ski have five times more dead cells than other skin types. The combination dead skin cells clog the hair follicle contributing to acne. Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells removing the pore clogging cells leading to a clearer, cleaner, freshen skin surface and complexion.
Sun damaged and hyperpigmented skin which are caused by sun damage or hormonal changes increase in melanin which causes dark spots or patches on the skin. Exfoliation helps to remove the darkened cells leading to a faster rate of skin cell renewal as well as being more effective to prepare the skin for treatment of products that lead to lighter skin reducing the melanin production.
