FROM SCRUB TO SHINE: BEGINNERS’ GUIDE TO EXFOLIATION
Look in the mirror and you see dead skin. Don’t be shocked. Your body needs it to be that way. All the skin cells that interact with the world are dead by design. This layer protects you. But if it doesn’t move over for more freshly deceased cells to pop to the top, it could be time to exfoliate.
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation involves a process of mechanically or chemically clearing away excess dead cells on the surface of your skin. “Out with the old and in with the new” is the main principle behind exfoliating. Remove the older cells to make room for new, freshly rejuvenated skin.
Why You Should Exfoliate?
The practice of clearing the skin of dead cells manually comes from the knowledge of how skin cells grow and replenish. New skin cells are born deep in the skin, and they appear on the surface of the skin after the older skin cells have died. The process of exfoliating helps to speed up the shedding, boosts the production of collagen, helps the skin appear brighter, aids in the absorption of skincare products so that they perform better and have more visible results, assists in unclogging skin pores and also keeping breakouts at bay.
Types of Exfoliation
There are two main types of exfoliating the skin:
- Mechanical Exfoliation
In this process, the force of friction is used to scrub the skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells. The ways this process can be achieved are shared below:
- Light scrubbing with a washcloth
- Homemade coffees scrub
- Exfoliating sponge/glove
- Brushes
- Microdermabrasion
- Salt/Sugar scrubs
- Wet pumice stone
- Chemical Exfoliation
Yes, chemicals are involved. Typically, they are enzymes, retinoids and natural acids that help to loosen the bonds holding skin cells together so that they can be easily removed. The use of enzymes in an ancient approach involves placing fruits on the skin. Today, most enzymes used to chemically shed off skin cells are gotten from fruits and vegetables. Retinoids are commonly found in plants and are a more modern method of shedding skin cells. They are commonly used as medication and the compounds come from the antioxidant Vitamin A.
However, the most common options are alpha or beta hydroxy acid. The alpha-hydroxy acids are water-soluble and similar to the acid found in citrus fruit, apples, grapes, and yoghurt while the beta hydroxy acids are often used as treatments for skin issues. But these oil-soluble acids (like salicylic acid) are also exfoliant options.
How to Exfoliate for Your Skin Type
Just like picking the right type of cleanser, moisturizer, and other skincare products, the exfoliation procedure you choose depends on your skin type. Removing the epidermis (outside layer of skin) is an inherently irritating process. So, your skin type should guide the form and frequency of your exfoliation experience. Sensitive, dry, oily, and combination skin all tolerate exfoliating differently. Here’s what you need to know before you choose an exfoliating method:
Sensitive Skin Type: Exfoliate gently and less frequently to reduce the redness and stinging sensation that comes easily for this type. A very mild scrub or a simple washcloth may be all the mechanical exfoliating your skin can tolerate. And mild hydroxy acids and enzymes are your best bet when it comes to chemical exfoliating.
Dry Skin Type: Like those who have sensitive skin, care should be taken to minimize over-exfoliating. Gentle is also the standard for mechanical or chemical exfoliant methods. But, in this case, the flakes and rough buildup of dry skin does require constant exfoliating to keep those issues at bay and maximize your skincare products’ effectiveness.
Oily Skin Type: Exfoliate away. This skin type tolerates more robust approaches to chemical and mechanical exfoliation. Tools like brushes and pumice stones, along with rougher scrubs, are great for oily skin. Stronger chemical peels are also options for this skin type. And exfoliating more frequently isn’t off the table like those with dry or sensitive skin.
Combination Skin Type: You have two skin types to deal with, so exfoliate them separately. Be gentle with the dry sections and stronger on the oily parts.
Your skin will tell you if you’re exfoliating too often or taking an approach that’s too harsh. Pay attention to what the colour and feel of your skin are telling you. Exfoliating improperly or too often can cause problems for your skin. Watch for redness, small breakouts, and unusual sensitivity to your normal skincare products.