The Power of Exfoliation

Exfoliation. A word we've all heard before. We associate it with that “squeaky clean” feeling. But what does it really mean & why is it important?

Regular exfoliation is a necessary step in achieving healthy skin. Simply, it’s the process of removing the layer of dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin. Removing this outer layer of dull, dead cells encourages the regeneration of new cells. It gives your skin a glowing appearance and improves its feel, texture and health – all good things we want for our skins!

So now we know how important exfoliation is – which exfoliant to choose?

Exfoliants fall into three basic categories:

• Enzyme
• Chemical
• Mechanical

Enzyme

Enzymes are the newest group of exfoliants and work by breaking down the keratin protein of dead skin cells. They effectively dissolve your unwanted skin cells without the need to scrub. Enzyme exfoliants are applied to the skin without any rubbing and are left on to gently remove and dissolve the skin cells. They are a good choice for anyone with sensitive skin or rosacea. Exfoliants like Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant or Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel are a good choice if you have sensitive skin .

Chemical

Chemical exfoliators use acids like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHAs – glycolic and lactic acids) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs – salicylic acid) to help weaken and dissolve dead skin cells and their bonds. They also work at a deeper level of the skin - encouraging cell renewal, so your skin heals faster and more effectively. Chemical exfoliators with AHA’s are a popular choice for dry, mature or sun damaged skin, where as BHA’s have the added benefit of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a good choice for those with oily, acne prone skin.

If these are your concerns, some good places to start are asap’s Daily Exfoliating Facial Scrub and Skinstitut’s Glycolic Scrub 14%.

Mechanical

These products are designed to physically clean your skins pores and scrub away unwanted dead skin cells. Ingredients include small particles or grainy ingredients like corn meal (found in Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub), flowers (Kosmea Daily Facial Exfoliant), oats, rice or beads. They suit skins that perhaps don’t require or prefer a chemical exfoliant.

With all these options, the right exfoliator to achieve happy, healthy skin is available for everyone. If you need advice, call or email Leanne, AbsoluteSkin’s Beauty Therapist on 1300 334 683 or leanne@absoluteskin.com.au. She can guide you through the exfoliants to suit your skin, so you achieve the results you want.

Happy exfoliating!