Do you see a dull and dry flaky skin when you look in the mirror? If the answer is a Yes then probably the problem is dead cells clogging up the top layer of skin. The answer to your problems - Exfoliation! It's not a modern trend as Cleopatra used it in her beauty regime.
Our skin is an important organ that surely deserves a little bit more care than the mere topical application of creams and lotions. For many people, skin care is all about sunscreen, moisturizer, cleansing of the skin and hydration. But a good effective skin care is incomplete without exfoliation.
What is Exfoliation?
About 80,000 facial skin cells die every day. New skin cells are created in the skin's lower layer (the dermis), which over time migrate to the the surface (the epidermis). During this journey the skin cells gradually die and become filled with keratin. These keratinized skin cells are important because they protect the skin from outside elements. As we age, the natural process of skin erosion slows down resulting in your skin taking on dull, lustreless appearance, accentuating lines and wrinkles on your face. Thus it needs some assistance to bring the hidden more youthful looking skin to the top.
Why Exfoliate?
There are considerable benefits of regular exfoliation:
- Exfoliation helps to speed up the regenerative process of the skin.
- You can tremendously improve your complexion by exfoliating.
- It leads to improved skin tone, glow, and clarity.
- Skin can become dry and patchy in some places and oily in others if not exfoliated regularly.
- Regular exfoliation helps reduce fine lines, increase the capacity of skin to absorb water and treating acne.
- Dead skill cells damaged by UVA rays may produce more melanin, leading to darker pigmentation in places.
- A proper cleansing not only removes all the dust, dirt and make-up you accumulate during the day, but also stops the oil-secreting sebaceous glands from getting clogged.
- For men, exfoliation is important as it exposes the hair follicles, allowing a better shave.
What are the Types of Exfoliation?
There are two main types of exfoliation process:
- Mechanical Exfoliation: It involves scrubbing the skin with an abrasive to get rid of dead skin cells. Mechanical exfoliants include sponges, brushes, microfiber cloths, micro-bead facial scrubs, crepe paper, sugar or salt crystals, and crushed almond shells.
- Chemical Exfoliation: It involves substances that will react with your skin to eliminate dead cells. Chemical exfoliants include scrubs containing fruit enzymes (like pineapple enzymes), salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or malic acid. They may be applied in high concentrations by a dermatologist, or in lower concentrations in over-the-counter products. Chemical exfoliation may involve the use of products that contain enzymes, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that act to loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away.
How to Exfoliate?
Here is a step by step guide to help you exfoliate:
- Prepare your exfoliating mixture.
- Wet the area of skin you want to exfoliate.
- Use a synthetic scrubbing sponge or exfoliating gloves.
- Gently apply the exfoliating mixture to your skin.
- Using your sponge, gently scrub the exfoliating mixture over your skin in circular motions.
- Rinse skin thoroughly.
- Follow up with a good moisturizer containing petroleum, lanolin and mineral oils.
Tips for particular skin types
- Normal skin: If you have normal skin, exfoliation should be done around three times a week using any exfoliation cleanser that you are comfortable with.
- Oily skin: Mix a tablespoon of highly refined and finely ground cornmeal with a bit of warm water and exfoliate using this mixture to control the excess oil, preferably 3 times a week.
- Sensitive skin: Exfoliate with natural ingredients like rice powder and oatmeal since your skin is unpredictable when it comes to reaction with chemicals. Don't use harsh scrubbers. Stick to using a soft washcloth to slough away dead skin.
- Combination skin: Exfoliation is must for you preferably using chemical exfoliate.
- Dry skin: Exfoliate only twice a week. Anymore may lead to irritation.
It is important to not to overzealous exfoliate as it can lead to over-dryness and irritation, exposing the newly developed cells prematurely. According to Ayurveda, usage of natural ingredients like walnut, aloe vera and lemon is recommended.
