Exfoliation is the Foundation to Radiant Skin!
Exfoliation is the Foundation to Radiant Skin!
By: Martha Reino, Esthetician | March 2008
Every day there are new developments in skin care, but the most important step that people forget to include in their skin care regimen is exfoliation. Weekly exfoliation under the guidance of your Esthetician, can significantly improve the quality of your skin. As our skin cells renew old surface cells harden and lose moisture, and eventually detach from skin to allow new cells to come through. These dead skin cells build up on the surface of the skin leaving it dry and dull. Pores become clogged and congested. Exfoliation stimulates skin renewal as dead cells are eliminated and new cells surface. Through professional and at-home exfoliation, these dulling skin cells can effectively be removed resulting in fresher, smoother, hydrated and younger skin!
What types of exfoliants are there?
Physical exfoliants: Use friction to remove dead skin cells, either with a tool such as a brush or a gentle abrasive "scrub". Your skin type determines which type of physical exfoliant is best for you.
Chemical exfoliants: Remove dead skin cells using Alpha/Beta Hydroxy acids, Glycolic acid, Retinol and/or Enzymes to smooth skin by dissolving the intercellular "glue" that attaches cells to the skin's surface. Estheticians can perform professional AHA Facials and 6 week series treatments to get the best and safest results with chemical exfoliants. Enzymatic and Hydroxy acids are the most common form of at-home exfoliants because they are extremely effective and when used properly, are very safe. Glycolic Acid was the first to be used in a cosmetic application, and is still widely used in skin care products. Lactic and Salicylic acids also deliver exfoliating results.
What skin types can benefit from exfoliants?
Mature/Aging Skin: When we are young, our cells renew roughly every 2 weeks. But as we get older, this process slows down. The natural sloughing of older cells from the skin becomes more difficult causing a build-up that results in thick, dull, dehydrated skin with loss of tone and firmness. On average, cell renewal takes from 25 - 30 days in mid-life, and up to 90 days in maturity. Removing the dry, dead cells assists skin in looking hydrated, firm and more youthful. Exfoliation is especially effective on prematurely-aging and mature skin, as it stimulates cell renewal faster than the body can on its own.
Dry/Dehydrated Skin: Dehydrated, dry skin has a lack of moisture in the skin leaving it feeling tight and stretched. Many tend to over moisturize, which slicks the older skin cells down, leading to a dull, uneven skin tone. Through exfoliation, dying skin cells are removed, and moisturizing and hydrating ingredients from quality skin care products can penetrate deeper into skin to help ease dry and dehydrated skin conditions without having to apply a heavy layer of cream. Acne/Problematic Skin: Oily/Acneic skin produces five times more dead skin cells than other skin conditions. The combination of hardened sebum and dead skin cells clog the hair follicle and contribute to acne. Proper exfoliation can have great benefits for problematic skin types. By removing the congestive layer of matter, pores are less likely to clog allowing for a fresher, smoother more refined complexion. Sun Damaged/Hyperpigmented Skin: Caused by sun damage and/or hormonal changes, Hyperpigmentation is an increase in melanin which causes dark patches or spots on the skin. Exfoliation helps shed these darkened cells at a faster rate, preparing the new skin for more effective penetration of treatment products that can lighten skin, and decrease melanin production.
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