The Complete Guide to Skin Exfoliation

What is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outermost layer of your skin. This process helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It also helps in increasing blood circulation, which in turn leads to better skin health. 

Exfoliation is recommended for all skin types. The most common types of exfoliation are physical, mechanical and chemical exfoliation. However, you should consult a dermatologist or skin aesthetician to determine the best exfoliation method for your skin type. 

The Different Types of Exfoliation Methods

Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation is an effective way to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin. You can also use it as a treatment for acne, wrinkles, and sunspots. Chemical exfoliators use acids to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. This is a more aggressive method than physical exfoliation and should only be used once a week or every other week.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) are chemical exfoliants that dissolve in water and help remove dead skin cells. Conversely, oil-soluble chemical exfoliants known as beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) can enter the skin through sebaceous glands.

The most common side effect of chemical exfoliation is dryness. It can also cause redness, irritation, a rash, or peeling. Read more about the chemical exfoliants acids. 

Physical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliators work by manually removing dead skin cells by rubbing them off with granular ingredients like jojoba beads, microdermabrasion crystals, or an ingredient or machine that is slightly abrasive. Physical exfoliation is done at home or in the spa with professional equipment. 

Home remedies for exfoliation are usually natural ingredients like yogurt, honey, and oatmeal that work to remove dead skin cells from your skin by binding with the dead flaky layer of your skin. You can also use a physical exfoliator on your body for smoother skin and improved circulation.

Why You Should Regularly Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliating your skin is one of the most important steps of a healthy skincare routine. Exfoliation removes dead cells from the surface of your skin and leaves behind fresh, new cells that will make you look more youthful and vibrant.

Exfoliating also helps fight acne by removing excess oils that clog pores and leave behind acne-causing bacteria. This is because it removes dead skin cells that line the inside of pores, which prevents them from getting clogged in the first place. Exfoliation can also help minimize fine lines and wrinkles by removing excess dry or damaged cells from the outermost layers of your skin.

How to choose an Exfoliant

We recommend visiting a licensed esthetician or skin care focussed dermatologist to determine a custom skincare regime for your skin. Nevertheless, here are a few general guidelines for choosing an exfoliant.

The first step is to identify your skin type. This will help you choose the right product. There are four main types of skin: oily, dry, sensitive, and combination.

Next, you should consider your skincare goals. Do you want to brighten up your complexion or get rid of wrinkles? Or do you want to reduce the appearance of pores?

You must also consider what ingredients you want in your exfoliation product. If you have sensitive skin, the product should be fragrance and alcohol-free with natural ingredients such as essential oils.

Check out our Daily Detox, a daily deep cleansing exfoliant mask that uses enzymatic papaya which are living microorganisms that consume dead protein from the pores and surface of the skin, along with mineral rich clays and jojoba beads to provide physical exfoliation as well. Enzymes are different from both physical and chemical exfoliants, in that they target protein specifically and work on the surface layers but also uniquely decongest pores. We love this for daily use in between facials to keep the pores clean and gently physically remove cells so all our other products can penetrate deeper.