Skin Exfoliation

Skin Exfoliation

Exfoliation is an essential part of your weekly skin care routine, not less important than cleansing and moisturizing. Facial scrubs, micro-dermabrasion kits or peels with various acids remove dead cells from the surface of the skin and support skin renewal process. Our body constantly produces skin cells that form in the underlying layers of the skin (the dermis) and move up to the surface. The dead cells then pile up and make your skin look dull and lifeless. Our skin sheds about 30,000 dead skin cells a minute. Exfoliation removes the dead skin, improves blood circulation, cleanses clogged pores, brightens skin and keeps it smooth and glowing. The result is a younger looking, healthier skin.

Through the ageing process, and after menopause for women, the natural process of skin erosion becomes uneven, which gives skin a dry and rough character. Exfoliation removes the outer layer to reveal the newer skin beneath. This shedding of the outer layer unclogs pores, keeps skin clean, and helps reduce acne outbreaks. Exfoliation should always be done after cleansing the skin. Exfoliation is important for men as it exposes the hair follicles, allowing a better shave. It is possible to over exfoliate, which dries and irritates the skin. The face is the part of the body most sensitive to exfoliation. Hence, following exfoliation, it is very important to moisturize the face because dry skin can lead to wrinkles.

Types of Exfoliation

Mechanical
This process involves physically scrubbing the skin with an abrasive. Mechanical exfoliants include microfiber cloths, adhesive exfoliation sheets, micro-bead facial scrubs, crepe paper, crushed apricot kernel or almond shells, sugar or salt crystals, pumice, and abrasive materials, such as sponges, loofahs, brushes, and simply fingernails. Facial scrubs are available in over-the-counter products for application by the user. Microdermabrasion is another mechanical method of exfoliation. People with easily irritated, acne prone or sensitive skin should avoid mechanical exfoliants that contain pumice or crushed volcanic rock. The abrasive structure of the scrubs can be too harsh and aggressive for those skin types and cause worsening of skin conditions. Products tagged “body scrubs” should NOT be used for the face where the skin is much more delicate and can be easily damaged.


Chemical
Chemical exfoliants include products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), salicylic acid, fruit enzymes, citric acid, or malic acid which may be applied in high concentrations by a medical professional, or in lower concentrations in over-the-counter products. Chemical exfoliation eliminate dry dead scales from the skin's surface while wearing the product. An enzyme peel acts to loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to ease away. This type of exfoliation is recommended for people treating acne and should be applied for a longer time.  It is also beneficial for aging skin.


How to Find a Right Scrub

A wide range of face scrubs are sold in drug stores. To test a scrub - rub a small amount to the inner side of your wrist and wait for few minutes. If it irritates the delicate skin on your wrist, it’s not good for your face either. For dry skin make sure that the scrub contains nourishing ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, mineral oil or any other emollient. Any type of scrub should be easily rinsed with plain water leaving no residue.

How are Anti Aging Face Scrubs Different

Products tagged "anti aging" usually have antioxidant's and anti aging ingredients added, which is reflected in the price. Since the mechanical scrub stays on your face for few minutes only, the addition of these ingredients doesn’t make a big difference and it’s not worth spending more money (if this is the case). If you can’t find an anti aging scrub for the same price, a basic mechanical scrub is good enough. Keep in mind that aging skin may need more intense care than just a mechanical scrub. It makes sense to use chemical and mechanical peels and micro-dermabrasion kits in turns.

How To Apply a Face Scrub

Apply to a damp skin after cleansing and massage in a circular motions to the entire face for 1-2 minutes (with your hands or a cosmetic pad). Do not rub too hard as this can cause redness, skin irritation or simply stretch your skin. For more exfoliation use it a little longer rather than applying extra pressure. Rinse off and proceed with your regular skin care products. Facial scrubs make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, always use a SPF moisturizer after the scrub.

How Often Should You Use a Facial Scrub

Depends on your skin type and skin conditions. The anti wrinkle face scrub or peel is recommended to use not more than 1-2 times a week. Cleansing scrubs are gentle enough to be used daily as a part of your skin care routine or 3-4 times a week. People with normal skin type can use scrub once a week. For more oily skin scrub is recommended 2-3 times a week. For acne prone, dry or sensitive skin and skin prone to allergic reactions use a chemical exfoliant or a natural homemade facial scrub. This way you know exactly what ingredients are used and can control the roughness of the particles.