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Why is face exfoliation important?
There are many reasons, but the most important is that by
eliminating dead cells, we allow the new skin to be visible. This
skin looks more beautiful and radiant than with a thin layer of dead
cells covering it.
Exfoliation helps to improve the texture of the skin at least
temporarily. The pores look smaller, the skin feels softer and it
just looks better. Exfoliation also has other effects such as to
prevent black- and white heads and pimples. Deep exfoliation promotes
collagen production helping to minimize expression lines and improve
skin tone and uneven color and texture (scars, dark spots etc).
How to exfoliate?
It is simple. Pick a product for your skin type and follow the
package instructions. There are also many homemade options that
offer great results, although it is convenient to have a
ready-to-use product.
As a general rule the more sensitive your skin, the less frequently
you will exfoliate and the least abrasive the exfoliant you will
use.
People with oily, combination and normal skin can use any type of
exfoliation 2 or 3 times a week in warm and humid weather and 1 or 2
times a week in cold or very dry weather.
People with dry, sensitive and mature skin can exfoliate 1 or 2
times a week in warm and humid weather or less often in cold or dry
weather.
Types of exfoliation
There are two main types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. The
physical exfoliants are any type of granules or any material to
scrub your skin. In this group you can find exfoliation creams,
masks, sponges, brushes, etc.
Chemical exfoliants are substances that will react with your skin
eliminating dead cells such as glycolic acid and all alpha and beta
hydroxyl acids (AHA and BHA). There are also some enzymes that will
have the same effect, for example, those found in pineapple or
papaya.
Which one is better for your skin type?
The more abrasive products types are for oily, combination and
normal skin. But it is not recommended to use very abrasive
products. Brushes, sponges and similar products are not always the
best option.
For people with special needs, such as hyper-pigmentation (dark
spots), scars, acne, mature skin or uneven texture,
microdermabrasion and home peelings are great. As you know, you can
also have those treatments in a stronger version in a spa or at a
dermatologist’s office. The home versions of these products offer a
deeper exfoliation without much skin irritation.
An alternating combination of microdermabrasion and home peelings
offers better results, according to celebrity dermatologist Dr.
Fredic Brandt. These treatments are good for everybody, but if you
have perfect skin, you can get good results with a simpler exfoliant.
People with sensitive skin should use a mild exfoliant, such as a
cream with low concentration of AHA or a cream with an enzyme.
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