Skin Care- Exfoliation

By Sandie Epstein

Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the outermost surface

of the skin to reveal newer skin and has been used for many years to help maintain 

healthy skin. All facials include the process of exfoliation. There are two methods of 

exfoliation: Mechanical and Chemical.

New skin cells are constantly being created in the skin’s lower layer called the dermis. 

Over time, the cells migrate to the surface of the skin and become more acidic. During 

their 30 day journey, they die and become saturated with keratin. Keratin is important as 

it protects the skin from outside elements. Then the outer most skin cells should sough 

off. If they accumulate on the skin’s surface, they clog pores and increase breakouts, 

collect in fine lines making them more noticeable and generally give the skin a dull 

appearance.

 

Exfoliation is especially important through the aging process and after 

menopause for women as the natural process of skin erosion becomes uneven which 

gives the skin a dry and rough character. Exfoliation is also important for men as it 

exposes the hair follicles allowing a better shave. Exfoliation should always be done 

followed by moisturizing. The face is the part of the body that is most sensitive to 

exfoliation and care should be taken to not overdo it. 

Mechanical exfoliation involves physically scrubbing the skin with an abrasive. 

This could be using rough materials such as microfiber cloths, sponges, loofahs or 

brushes. This could also mean using a scrub with sugar or salt crystals, micro-beads 

or pumice. These types of scrubs are readily available for use by the consumer. 

Microdermabrasion is always done by an expert and is another form of mechanical 

exfoliation.

 

Hydroxy acids are the most common form of chemical exfoliation. They work by 

loosening the bond between the surface skin cells, causing the oldest ones to slough 

off.

 

There are two kinds of hydroxy acids, alpha and beta. Alpha hydroxy acids are 

glycolic acid, citric acid and mailc acid. Glycolic acid has small enough molecules 

to actually penetrate the outermost layer of skin to the dermis.

 

Beta hydroxy acid is salicylic acid which has the added benefit of being fat soluble. It can penetrate the oil that collects in pores so it is particularly beneficial in the treatment of blackheads and acne. Hydroxy acids can be applied in large concentrations by a medical professional or in lower concentrations in products purchased by the consumer for daily use.

In conclusion, exfoliation is extremely important for the skin’s health and appearance. 

The removal of the oldest layer of dead cells enables the skin’s ability to breathe 

properly and release the toxins it needs to. Dead cells collecting in pores and wrinkles 

make them appear larger and more evident, and extra layers of dead cells give the skin 

a lifeless appearance. Proper exfoliation will leave the skin youthful and glowing.

 

Sandie , 62, is a cancer survivor. She holds a master in genetics and enjoyed research into carcinogens. Sandie is an independent consultant for Arbonne. She is in row 67 in our Practitioners' List

 

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