EXFOLIATION – Why We Need To Do It

Skin Exfoliation or the removal of dead skin cells is a vital step in Anti Aging and improving skin health and appearance. Shedding of dead cells is a normal part of the skin renewal process.

There are many methods used to exfoliate the skin and these include micro dermabrasion, Ultrasound, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, peels and products to which beads or granules have been added. All work in different ways.

Dead skin cells should be removed regularly to expose the new, fresh skin on your face. Failure to exfoliate skin will have many consequences.

• Skin will lose its natural glow and look dull.
• Wrinkles are more likely to form.
• Skin care products will not be able to penetrate the dead cells and work as effectively.
•  Pimples, blackheads, acne and Rosacea will find a breeding ground.

People who suffer from the condition Rosacea, tend to have thicker layers of dead cells which need to be removed regularly, gently.

One of the main reasons for pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and cyst type eruptions is clogging of the pores by a combination of dead skin cells and excess natural oil called sebum. Skin types prone to these problems will improve  by exfoliating every second day, preferably at night.

Normal skin types will benefit from exfoliation 2-3 times a week while sensitive skins will be happiest with once a week gentle treatments.

As we age, natural exfoliation takes longer and therefore  skin needs some help to accelerate the shedding process.

For home use there are choices.

 One is a home microdermabrasion kit called DermaNew which contains a battery operated tool. A specialised exfoliating cream is applied to the skin on a sponge applicator. Medical grade corundum crystals gently remove dead skin cells as it passes over the skin. A 2 minute timer ensures skin is not irritated.

The simplest choice of Exfoliating cream is a Natural creamy Exfoliator with a cleanser base and round beads that will gently remove dead skin cells without irritation to the skin. Be wary of ground shells that can potentially scratch the delicate skin surface.

To use exfoliating cream, wet the face and apply a pea sized (or as directed) amount of product to the hands. Wipe the wet hands together to distribute the exfoliant evenly and use the whole hand to make gentle circles on the face. This way you will not be applying a large amount of cream to one area of the face and will avoid any possible irritation.

Use your middle fingers to work exfoliant into nose creases. An often neglected area of the face is behind and below the ears and the neck. Please remember to use moisturiser on this area too.

Work the Natural Exfoliator cream gently for about 30 seconds to loosen the "glue" that holds dead cells in place and rinse well with cool or lukewarm water.

Backs of hands, arms, shoulders and legs all benefit from a regular exfoliation followed by a pampering lotion.

Any Serum, Moisturizer or acne treatment applied to fresh exfoliated skin will then penetrate and perform the function they were designed for much more efficiently.