What really is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is one of the reigning words in the skincare world nowadays. Every skincare brand has the word “Exfoliation” at their mouth. And that really make me to ask what really is exfoliation? Do people really understand what it means to exfoliate the skin and the chemistry behind exfoliation.

Left to me, if you ask me, I’ll say that exfoliation is the pathway to a healthy, radiant and brighter skin. Pathway because it lays foundation for other skincare products like the moisturizers, serums, oils, toners etc. Exfoliation makes it easier for other skincare products to easily penetrate through the skin pores and be able to get to the skin epidermis in order to carry out its functions.

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is simply a process that involves the removing of accumulated dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin which the skin sheds every 28/30 days. There are two main processes of exfoliation

Ø Chemical process

This involves the use some mild acids and enzymes to exfoliate the skin. it usually comes in liquid form. Examples are salicylic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, papain enzymes, bromelain enzyme, pumpkin enzyme, fruit acids etc. This process of exfoliation is best suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Ø Physical process

This process involves the use of some granules or grains like sugar, sea salt, jojoba beads, rice powder, oatmeal powder etc. to exfoliate the skin. it involves what is referred as ‘scrubbing’. This process of exfoliation is best for people with dry, oily or matured skin.

Both physical and chemical process can be combined together and use for a more and better exfoliation as some sugar or salt scrubs in the market contains any of the acids or enzymes

Benefits of exfoliation

The following are the amazing benefits of exfoliation

· It helps moisturizers, serums etc. to work effectively

· It creates a healthy, radiant and even complexion

· It keeps the pores of the skin unclog and clean

· It gives the skin an instant smooth and soft feel

· Helps to fade hyperpigmentation

· Etc.

How best to exfoliate the skin?

Exfoliation is a very vital skincare routine that everyone who wants to embrace a healthy, radiant and even skin should include in their skincare routines, but unfortunately many people are exfoliating the skin the wrong way which is not good for the skin. Some people exfoliate their skin daily or frequently which can lead to ‘over exfoliation of the skin’. Over exfoliation of the skin is something no one should indulge in because it harms and disrupt the acid mantle of the skin. Over exfoliation leads to skin inflammations, irritations, acne breakouts, rashes etc.

It is best to exfoliation the skin based on individual skin type. Oily or acne prone skin should exfoliate their skin three types in a week with a two days interval after the last exfoliation. Dry or normal skin type can exfoliate thrice or twice in a week with two days interval. Sensitive skin type should exfoliate the skin once or twice in a week.

Its best to exfoliate the skin at night, it will enable one to take their time in scrubbing the whole part of the skin without rushing it. Also, chemical exfoliants ingredients are sensitive to the sun so its best to be use at night and sunscreen should wear in the morning to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the UV rays.

Include exfoliation in your skincare routine and enjoy a beautiful, healthy, glowing and even skin tone.