About Exfoliation

Skin exfoliation is a naturally occurring physiological process whereby dead surface skin cells, naturally slough off, and reveal new skin cells. 

Sounds like something you don't have to think about...

However, although a natural process, this process can sometimes need assistance and is almost always improved with assistance.
For example, when the skin type is oily, the skin has difficulty exfoliating or sloughing off the dead skin cells, due to the sticky nature of oil.  When the skin type is dry, dead skin accumulates quickly creating a dull appearance to the skin, in addition to, inhibiting effective natural skin exfoliation and needed moisture absorption.  

You can resolve these issues, by regularly exfoliating your skin. 

The objective of exfoliating is to remove dead cells from the skin's surface which will result in skin with a fresh healthy glow. Regular exfoliation over time, will increase the skin's capacity to absorb moisture, reduce fine lines and diminish acne.

Skin exfoliation is an irritating process that is actually beneficial to most skin types. However, it can be quite challenging to determine the fine line between good irritation as a result of exfoliation and aggravated, inflamed skin. The best route is to be fairly clear on your skin type, and then follow up with skin type recommended exfoliation from a reliable resource.

Often manual skin exfoliation products are just too irritating to the skin i.e. scrubs, loofahs, buffing creams and even some washcloths.  Chemical exfoliates are more thorough, less irritating and less damaging to the skin than manual exfoliates.

In addition, chemical skin exfoliation is not part of the wet cleansing process. Chemical exfoliates are in fact, gels, lotions and creams that are used after the skin has been cleansed and dried. They also need to be followed by an excellent sunscreen since chemical skin exfoliation will sensitize skin to the sun.

AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are fruit acids and are water-soluble.  AHA tends to be applied to skin dealing with sun damage, dryness and thickness

BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid is salicylic acid and is oil-soluble.  This means that beta hydroxy acid is able to penetrate into the pore which contains sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore.   BHA is actively used to deal with blemishes and acne.

Dermalogica Products for Your Skin Type

The information contained herein is for educational purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Any information found herein should be discussed with a health care professional. Use of this information should be done in accordance with the health care plan outlined by your health care professional. For specific medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment, consult your doctor.