Why You Should Exfoliate
Exfoliating is without doubt the most important thing you can do for your skin to keep it clear, radiant and to help your other products work at their very best. Buffing away dead skin cells provides a deep-down cleanse of your skin’s surface, freeing fresh new skin cells.
When you are young, skin renews every month and dead cells fall away without much help. As we age, cellular renewal slows down dramatically, and by the time the cells reach the skin’s surface they have lost the energy to remove themselves. As a result, dead skin cells block your other skincare products from being absorbed effectively by the skin, as well as clogging up pours (causing spots) and accentuating skin imperfections.
There are three main types of exfoliation:
Physical Exfoliation – Using granules, dead skin is polished away from the surface of the skin. However, due to the abrasive nature of granules, this can cause micro-tears in the skin which impairs your skins protective barrier, causing irritation.
Chemical Exfoliation – Acids such as Beta Hydroxyl Acid break down the dead skin cells, revealing a brighter complexion. Dependant on the strength or type of acid used, again this can be quite a harsh treatment; it is ideal for acne prone skin, but sensitive skin might react badly to this method.
Enzyme Exfoliation – This is the most gentle way to exfoliate. Enzymes dissolve the ‘glue’ that binds the dead skin cells to the skin’s surface, melting them off away and revealing a clearer complexion without causing any irritation.
Normal, oily and combination skin needs exfoliation twice a week whilst dry or sensitive skin should be exfoliated no more than once a week.