Exfoliation is a process that involves
a) Removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
b) Uses procedures like microdermabrasion and peels.
c) Leaves the skin looking smoother, glowy and fresh.
d) Two types – Chemical and Physical.
A physical exfoliant works “mechanically” by scrubbing off the layer of dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin.
a) Salt, sugar, ground down natural ingredients like nuts are often used to remove the layer of dead skin cells. Tools like brushes, pumice and cloth are often used as well.
b) Physical exfoliants have a gritty or grainy texture.
c) Companies initially used plastic micro beads in their scrubs for a similar effect which posed a threat to the natural water system, the marine life and a catastrophe for people with dry and sensitive skin! The practice has been banned in some countries.
d) They can cause micro-tears in the skin!
e) Only use gentle cleansers that are mild on the skin like Cetaphil (Gentle Cleanser for Dry & Sensitive Skin) and Fresh’s Sugar Face Polish , both of them are extremely mild on the skin.
f) Recommended for people with scars, wrinkles and stretch marks.
Chemical Exfoliation is a process that involves the use of chemicals like AHA’S (Alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids) for the removal of dead skin cells that leaves behind a healthier and fresher looking.
a) Commonly used exfoliants are Lactic Acid (derived from milk & plant based products), Glycolic Acid (cane sugar), Citric Acid (citrus fruits like lemon, lime and oranges) and Salicylic Acid (Willow Bark).
b) Works by loosening or dissolving the glue that holds the dead skin cells together. Payout is fresh and bright complexion without any Rubbing.
c) Great for smoothing and brightening the skin.
d) AHA’s like Citric Acid and Glycolic Acid are water soluble molecules. They are better suited to dry, dehydrated and sun damaged skin types as they actively help to improve the moisture content of the skin.
e) BHA’s are oil soluble molecules that are able to penetrate deeper into the skin and are well suited for oily and acne prone skin.
f) BHA’s have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties
a) If you have sensitive skin stick to Fruit enzymes like Papain (papaya) and Bromelain (pineapple) are perfect for you. They are comparatively milder than AHA’s/BHA’s, the enzymes break down the keratin in skin and targets only the outer layer of the skin.
b) They may become unstable due to their environment and there is an underlying risk of affecting the healthy cells underneath.
c) Always consult your dermatologist or spa consultant.
"Exfoliating every day can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can cause breakouts. Skin is a smart organ and sheds dead skin cells on its own, if we exfoliate too often, it can actually slow cell turnover.
Vitamin C is acidic to the skin, therefore it has exfoliating properties. It also helps with collagen production. However, it is water soluble, so it does not go as deep as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.
a) Not necessarily. Flaky skin can inhibit the full penetration of moisturizer and oil can get trapped and cause tiny, pimple-like bumps.
b) Use gentle chemical exfoliators (an AHA-rich serum dissolves bonds between dead cells) or a light facial scrub like Simple Skincare's Smoothing Facial Scrub uses super-fine particles and vitamin B5, a total moisture bomb). Try one, immediately followed by a gentle hydrating lotion, every two or three days.
a) Stay away from rough physical scrubs, which can contribute to breakouts.
b) Use face washes that are rich in hydroxy acids like Glycolic or Salicylic (remove grime and penetrate oil to break down pore-clogging dead skin cells.
Weekly Treatment: Charcoal masks absorb excess oil,
Either is fine but if you use treatments at night like retinol, you may want to exfoliate before bed, as your skin will be more receptive once dead surface cells have been removed.
No. Body scrubs often have harsher, larger granules, made to even out the thicker, tougher skin below the neck.
At all costs!
Great for smoothing the skin
Rough on the skin, can cause Micro- tears
Suitable for skin with wrinkles, scars and stretch marks
Only helps with removing the layer of dead skin cells on the epidermis.
ALWAYS GO FOR CHEMICAL EXFOLIATIONS:
Smoothing & Brightening
Much gentle on skin, doesn’t damage your skin
Can be used by all skin types.
Delve below the surface layer of the skin to remove impurities at a deeper level and may create changes at the cellular level.