5 Benefits of Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a process that removes dead skin cells from the upper layer of the skin, revealing the healthy skin underneath. Regular exfoliation can help keep skin looking fresh, removing any dry patches or flakiness. In addition to cleansing your skin, exfoliating on a regular basis (once or twice a week at home and once or twice a month professionally) can improve the results of your skin care routine and help rejuvenate your skin. 

Whether you have dry, normal, oily or sensitive skin, exfoliation can bring new life to your complexion. The removal of dead skin cells helps keep pores from becoming clogged and leaves skin with a refreshed and clean feeling. Why would you want clean and clear pores? Clogged pores can result in blackheads and acne. Likewise, when pores are clogged, they appear larger. Although you cannot reduce the actual size of your pores, you can help to minimize their appearance by keeping them clog-free.

In addition to the immediate visual benefits of exfoliation, the removal of dead skin cells speeds up the skin renewal process, allowing smoother, healthier skin cells to take their place. Not only will this help with fine lines and wrinkles, but it will help to lessen discoloration as well.

There are two basic types of exfoliants: physical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants. Physical exfoliants work to remove dead skin cells by friction. Examples of physical exfoliants include scrubs, microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning. Chemical exfoliants do the work for you by essentially dissolving the "glue" that is binding the dead cells to your skin. Enzymes, chemical peels, and acids are examples of chemical exfoliants. A combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation is an ideal way to address damage in the skin from the top down, as well as from the bottom up.

Top 5 Benefits of Exfoliation

1. Improves the results of your skin care products

2. Keeps your pores from clogging, keeping acne under control

3. Speeds up the skin renewal process, allowing smoother, healthier skin cells to take their place

4. Helps to lessen skin discoloration (uneven skin tone)

5. Leads to visibly brighter skin and softens fine lines and wrinkles