Skincare routines contain many different steps, all of which contribute to healthy and glowing skin if implemented correctly. Some steps, like cleansing our skin, have to be implemented daily while we practice others from time to time to keep our skin healthy and soft. Exfoliation is one of those steps.
Like other amazing skincare products, exfoliation provides many benefits for the skin.
Exfoliating your skin doesn't have to be confusing. In this article, we'll explain what the exfoliation process consists of, and we'll also give you some exfoliation tips. Then we'll explain all the different benefits you can experience if you decide to include exfoliation as part of your skincare regimen. From physical to chemical exfoliants, we've got you covered.
The Science Behind Exfoliation
For those of you who aren't really into skincare, here are the basics you need to know.
In simple terms, exfoliating is the process of shedding off dead skin cells from the skin's surface using tools, acids, or other substances. Whether you're using physical or chemical exfoliants, they shouldn't be harsh on the skin, and they should only remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells.
The History Behind Exfoliation
You might have thought that exfoliation is a recent trend, but you'd be wrong.
Exfoliating, believe it or not, actually dates back to ancient Egypt and ancient China. In China, people used mainly oils and minerals. With mechanical exfoliation, they'd utilize sand, minerals, and plants to exfoliate their skin and shed off damaged skin layers. And by they, we mean royalty, since common folk couldn't afford such lavish hobbies.
Chemical exfoliation was also used in ancient Egypt. Those who liked to lavish themselves in beauty rituals would use ingredients such as sour milk as body scrubs for the skin.
Nowadays, not so many people would dare to try this. But, back in those days, it was a popular and effective method.
Another ingredient prominent in the world of skincare centuries ago is wine. Wine was used for different purposes, but mainly for drinking. However, those who cherished their skin found a way to use it in skincare.
Why wine, in particular? Well, it turns out that wine includes tartaric acid that does wonders for exfoliating the skin.
We have scientific breakthroughs to thank for giving us the exfoliating practice we have today. During the 1970s, chemical peels were starting to become fully developed. Back then, a chemical peel would include phenol, and it would be much harsher and more dangerous than the methods we have now.
This treatment had many side effects, ranging from sun damage to skin burns. Thankfully, the treatments we have now have evolved to include chemicals that aren't as abrasive to the skin and come with little to no side effects. If people do experience side effects, they're usually short-lived.
Different Types of Exfoliation
Now that you're aware of the history of exfoliation, we'll delve into the different types of exfoliation techniques available on the market nowadays.
Knowing all your options will help you decide which method would work best for you.
Generally speaking, there are three different types of exfoliations: enzymatic, physical, and chemical exfoliants. You can probably conclude what kind of exfoliators each entails, but we'll give you a brief rundown of them and how they differ from each other.
Physical Exfoliant
Physical exfoliation includes small granules that are massaged into the skin to get rid of dead skin cells and help reveal refreshed skin from underneath. These granules can be anything from sugar to different kinds of salts.
Not all skin types are compatible with physical exfoliants. For example, for sensitive skin types, physical exfoliators might be a bit too much and could potentially damage the skin.
If you have sensitive skin, a patch test is the best way to test whether physical exfoliation is compatible with your specific skin type. A patch test is when you use a product on a small area of your face or body to see if you will have an allergic reaction to it. In this case, exfoliate a small area of your body and wait 24 hours to see if any negative side effects appear.
If your skin is fine, it's probably a sign that it agrees with the product, and you can proceed with physical exfoliation.
Chemical
Chemical exfoliations are usually done at doctors' offices since they include different types of acids, such as alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and poly-hydroxy acid (PHA). These acids loosen the bonds that hold onto the dead skin cells, helping to reveal new skin and keep skin smooth.
Out of all the acids previously mentioned, AHAs are most gentle on the skin, which is why they're used most often. A chemical exfoliator can work for all skin types, which makes them very versatile and easy to include in any skincare routine.
Enzymatic
Have super sensitive skin and need a skin care routine to reflect that? Then, enzymatic exfoliation might be the way to go. This method of exfoliation includes natural ingredients such as fruit, which makes it easier to get rid of dead skin than using acids.
So, how do you actually incorporate these methods into your skincare routine?
Well, for starters, you decide whether you want the exfoliation done at home or a dermatologist's office. If you want to have it done professionally, you'll have to book an appointment with a qualified professional to determine which exfoliation technique will work best for your skin type.
If you want to do it at home, you have to choose what kind of product you want to use. You could go for a commercial scrub specifically formulated for your skin type or one you could do at home using ingredients you probably have already.
Benefits of Exfoliating Regularly
The best way to motivate ourselves to take up any habit is to see all its benefits. So, without further ado, here are the benefits you can experience if you add exfoliation to your skincare regimen.
Acne Prevention
We're kicking off with one of the most common skin problems on the planet: acne. There are multiple reasons why acne forms: excess sebum that causes clogged pores, genetics, hormonal imbalance, or acne-causing bacteria.
However, one thing is certain, and that's the fact that acne is not easy to get rid of or deal with. It leaves not only physical consequences that can be seen on the skin but can also cause psychological damage.
At this point, you might be wondering how exactly regular exfoliation is connected to acne. Well, exfoliating helps unclog your pores, which minimizes the appearance of acne. If you have acne and acne-prone skin, it's crucial to start incorporating some kind of gentle exfoliant into your routine.
Note that you should never use harsh, physical exfoliants on newly formed breakouts. Rubbing your face with a harsh physical exfoliator will only aggravate your spots further, create a dry skin texture, and irritate your skin, causing a delay in the healing process. This is the last thing you want if you have acne-prone skin.
Use a gentle exfoliator or opt for a professional treatment that includes exfoliation. Whichever method you choose, don't forget to moisturize after you're done with exfoliation. After all, you've just undergone a process that's quite rough on the skin, so hydrating it is a must!
If you're looking to reduce the appearance of acne and acne scars, try Misumi's Complete Clear 3-Step System. This routine will smooth rough texture, get rid of dead cells, reduce breakouts, kill acne-causing bacteria, and help you achieve the baby-soft skin you've been yearning for. Try it now!
Exfoliation Evens Out Your Skin Tone
A problem that often succeeds acne is hyperpigmentation - otherwise known as uneven skin tone. If a person uses harsh treatments that aren't compatible with their skin's texture, or if they squeeze the pimples they know they shouldn't, or even if they don't use adequate sun protection, a skin disorder known as hyperpigmentation might occur.
Hyperpigmentation includes anything from dark spots to uneven texture and sunspots. Other than acne, other circumstances can also cause hyperpigmentation, such as pregnancy and age.
By exfoliating, you're removing dead skin cells that contain damaged skin, and you're slowly but surely revealing healthy and glowing skin underneath. That way, the pigmentation diminishes from the face, and you're left with the skin you had before suffering from any kind of skin problems.
If you want smoother, dewier, and healthier skin and suffer from the symptoms mentioned above, make sure to add exfoliation to your weekly to-do list. Not only will your skin texture improve, but pamper nights will also be a lot more fun! Get a brighter complexion and a youthful glow in no time.
Exfoliation Brings Out the Best of Your Skincare Routine
What if we told you that regular exfoliation amplifies the benefits of all the other products you're using?
One of the many benefits of regular exfoliation is helping the products penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective. When you have a layer of dead skin cells sitting on top of your skin, the products won't reach the deeper skin layers that easily. When you exfoliate, you're helping the moisturizers, serums, and spot treatments reach their full potential in terms of how beneficial they will be for your skin. This means you will get the most bang for your buck and make the most of your skincare products.
Exfoliation Stimulates Collagen Synthesis
Collagen is one of the most useful proteins found in our bodies. It literally holds our bodies together and has many different functions, one of which is preserving healthy and youthful-looking skin. On top of that, it also has a role in replacing dead skin cells.
As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen. At this point, wrinkles start forming, and we also lose elasticity and firmness in our faces.
But don't despair! There might be something you can do about it!
Besides taking oral supplements or introducing cosmetic fillers in your routine, physical or chemical exfoliation can stimulate collagen synthesis. Your skin will look plump, young, and fresh. You'll notice an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face in a matter of weeks!
As with anything else, it's better to prevent the formation of wrinkles than it is to treat them, so don't waste any more time. Start including some type of exfoliant in your skincare regimen.
Exfoliation Helps your Makeup Look Flawless
When you exfoliate, you bring out the layers of the skin, which have a significantly better texture, dewy finish, and a plump look. So it's no surprise that with that kind of foundation to build upon, the makeup which you use on your face will also start to look flawless. So say goodbye to cakey makeup with dry patches!
Your makeup will immediately start to sit better on the skin and have a smooth and perfect finish.
Exfoliation Gives You a Healthy Glow
As we've already mentioned, skin cell turnover is sped up by using an exfoliator regularly. Cell turnover is a natural process that your face and body go through regularly to remove dead skin cells. That's right - the skin will exfoliate naturally.
However, by exfoliating yourself, you speed it up and help your skin reach its full potential. This means your skin will start to look more glowing and radiant than it did previously. Healthier and newer cells will replace old, dead skin cells, resulting in a flawless complexion.
Say goodbye to highlighters because you will have that glow that everyone strives for!
Exfoliation Helps Ingrown Hairs
If you shave regularly, you'll be prone to getting ingrown hairs which are definitely not easy to deal with. At times, they can even be painful and cause complications. To avoid this, exfoliate your whole body regularly - not just your skin. We tend to pay more attention to the skin on our faces because it's something people can always see, but we shouldn't neglect our bodies.
Exfoliating can help prevent ingrown hair and even make your shaving experience easier! Just make sure to exfoliate before you shave, and you'll have silky smooth skin in no time.
Exfoliation Helps the Process of Fake Tanning
If you're a fan of fake tan, you will love this one. As you might know already, fake tan needs a smooth and exfoliated foundation to look its best. That's why exfoliating before fake tanning will be an enormous help when it comes to the way your fake tan ends up looking.
Say goodbye to streaks and marks! Use a body scrub all over your body before fake tanning, and you'll be surprised by how better it will look once it's finished! Not only will it improve the actual appearance of your tan, but it'll also make it last longer. What's not to love?
How Often Should I Exfoliate?
The general rule of thumb is two to three times a week. How often your skin requires deep exfoliation will depend largely on your skin type.
Those with drier and more sensitive skin types should not exfoliate more than three times a week. Those with oily skin might get away with doing it more often than that. Always use a gentle circular motion, and don't rub your skin too hard, whether you're using physical or chemical exfoliants.
The Dangers of Over Exfoliation
Now that we've discussed all the benefits of exfoliating, it's important to mention its drawbacks as well. Over-exfoliating can strip away all the natural oils of your skin and make your skin dry, causing redness and skin irritation. If you have acne, it might aggravate your spots, cause more acne breakouts, and prolong your recovery time.
If you notice any negative side effects from the practice itself or the products you're using, stop using them immediately and contact your doctor for advice on how to proceed with the treatment.
Takeaway
Exfoliating can do wonders for us if we do it right, ensuring healthier and smoother skin!
Its benefits range from ensuring other products absorb better on the skin to helping cell turnover and improving collagen synthesis, all of which result in younger and healthier-looking skin.
If these benefits are what you're looking for, try out any of the exfoliating methods mentioned previously.
References
The Science of Exfoliants: Physical vs Chemical
A Practical Approach to Chemical Peels
Exfoliative Skin-peeling, Benefits from This Procedure and Our Experience
This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances, and its goal is to offer a general view of the subject. In case you are suffering from a severe case of acne, you should consult with a dermatologist or a certified medical professional.
