Why is Exfoliating Important?

The Importance Of Skin Exfoliation

Physical, enzyme and chemical are the three types of exfoliation methods. Learn the differences and why it is important to exfoliate.

What is exfoliation? Exfoliation is when you remove the dead skin cells from the stratum corneum (the outer layer of skin).  When you exfoliate you are stimulating new cells to rise from the basil layer to the surface. Some exfoliants also stimulate collagen production as well like microdermabrasion and chemical peeling!  This will give your skin a smooth texture and nice refreshed glow. 

Everyone should be exfoliating a few times a week depending on their skin type. If you have combination, acne prone or oily skin this is very important! Exfoliating removes the impurities and impactions out of the pores. This will also make your pores appear smaller.

When you exfoliate dry skin types you will notice that make-up goes on smoother. You will have a more even texture and fine lines and wrinkles will not be as noticeable. You will feel more hydrated because your products will go on more evenly and penetrate deeper.

When using professional exfoliating methods you can also target and treat melasma, acne, fine lines, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and scarring. 

Physical Exfoliation: Examples of physical exfoliation would be mechanical brushes, dry brushing, exfoliating scrubs, microdermabrasion, derma-planing and ultrasonic facials. These forms also removes the dead skin cells from the surface and stimulate cell turnover. 

Chemical Exfoliation: Examples of chemical exfoliation would be using a Beta-Hydroxy acid or Alpha Hydroxy acids. This helps to dissolve oils in the pores and loosen the bond between the cells increasing cell turnover. This will lift the dead skin cells making the skin flake or peel off. There are many different strengths of chemical peeling agents. Chemical peels range from 20% - 70%. 

*Always tell your doctor or aesthetician if you are taking any medications orally or if you are using topical medications. If you take any of the following medications discontinue at least 3-5 days before any exfoliation method. Check for any contraindications below. These are a just a few medications.  If you have herpes simplex take your prescription 3 days prior to your peel to avoid any outbreaks and continue for 10 days.

*Stop using Retin-A, Retinols, Renova, Tazorac, Clindamyacin, Accutane, Alpha hydroxy acids, Benzoyl peroxide, Beta-hydroxy acid, Differin, Antibiotics, any medications that may be drying or irritating 3-5 days before any professional exfoliation.

Contraindications : Active cold sores, herpes simplex, open lesions, sunburned skin, excessively sensitive skin, dermatitis, inflamed rosacea, accutane within the past year, chemotherapy, aspirin allergies, rashes, pregnancy, vitiligo, broken capillaries,  and autoimmune diseases. 

* Beta-hydroxy acid - Salicylic acid is the only beta-hydroxy acid. This acid is better suited for oily, acne and combination skin types because salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This means it will attract the oil in the pores and dissolve it. Salicylic acid also speeds up cell turnover, removes impurities from the skin and pores. Salicylic acid is also an antiseptic.

* (If you are allergic to aspirin do not use salicylic acid thats where aspirin is derived from.) Make sure you always tell you aesthetician or doctor about any allergies to medications, foods, or  ingredients.

* Alpha-hydroxy acids - Glycolic, lactic, malic, citric and mandelic acids are water soluble and are the most common used acids in skin care. This also helps to stimulate cell turnover, and remove dead skin cells from the skin. AHA's can be  used to treat any skin type.   

* Enzymes - Enzymes can be found in fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, papaya, avocado, lemon, orange, grapefruit, passion fruits, cranberries and many more. This is a gentle way to exfoliate and would be recommended for first time peels or people with rosacea or sensitive skin. You can find enzymes in peels, masks, and cleansers. Enzymes digest the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and feed your skin vital antioxidants. So just think of little pac-men eating the dots.  

Exfoliants are great for full body skin care ! You can use body scrubs and get body treatments from your spa as well. 

Exfoliating also helps product penetration. So when you cleanse your skin and exfoliate your serums, moisturizers, night creams and eye creams are more effective! 

You should have professional exfoliating treatments performed every 4 weeks for optimal skin health. Home care is key! Your aesthetician can recommend a home care regime that is tailored just for your skin type.

Body Lotion By Glytone

Great for moisturizing and exfoliating!

* Always consult your doctor or aesthetician prior to professional skin care treatments*