7 Benefits of Exfoliation You Didn't Know You Were Getting

Exfoliating has always been my favorite skincare step. Whether I am using a physical exfoliator (which is a grainy-textured substance I massage into my skin to manually remove surface debris) or a chemical exfoliator (which is a combination of safe-for-skin acids that chemically dissolve debris), I bask in the moment. There's just something about it that feels refreshing and freeing—almost like I'm setting my complexion back to its natural, fresh state. Especially if it's been a few days since I last reached for my Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant or if I've been wearing a lot of makeup and my skin feels congested. When I massage the watery paste over my skin, it's like I'm setting it back to square one in the best way possible. I know it makes my skin look and feel better—almost instantly—but I don't actually know why.

Herein lies my confusion. Everyone says exfoliation is a key step in a well-rounded skincare routine since it sloughs off dead and dry skin. But what if you don't have dry skin? Dry skin isn't something I struggle with. In fact, my complexion is perpetually oily. So what else is my exfoliating habit doing that makes me love it so much? According to skincare experts, the answer is a lot. Aside from clearing away dry and dead skin, a regular exfoliation habit increases the skin's radiance, clarity, and youthfulness, and that's just the start.

1. It Unclogs Pores

Firstly, when you're exfoliating your skin, you're effectively unclogging your pores. That's according to Lily Talakoub, MD, of McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center. Sweeping away that dead and dry skin, along with all the other surface debris that might remain on your skin after cleansing, stops it from making its way into your pores and causing stubborn stoppages in the form of whiteheads and blackheads. These are two skin issues that are insanely difficult to get rid of (people with blackheads know what's up), which is why exfoliating is so important. It stops them before they even have a chance to appear. "Dead skin seals the pores, so when sebaceous glands produce oil, it's 'stuck' under the dry skin. This causes breakouts because there is nowhere for the oil to go," explains celebrity esthetician and skin expert, Sonya Dakar. Dermalogica's Daily Superfoliant is the exfoliant to help unclog those pores. Activated Binchotan Charcoal purifies the skin, helping to adsorb environmental toxins from deep within the pores, while Niacinamide, Red Algae and Tara Fruit Extract help guard against the damaging effects of pollution. Plus, it's gentle enough to use on a daily basis! The perfect mix of chemical and physical exfoliant that will leave your skin smoother then a baby's bottom!

2. It Prevents Acne

Just like how unclogging your pores prevents whiteheads and blackheads, it also prevents other blemishes—namely acne. "Exfoliating helps to unclog pores, therefore reducing acne," says Michelle Henry, MD, dermatologist and clinical instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She recommends using it to prevent breakouts, but only in a safe and nonirritating way. In other words, don't scrub your skin raw in the name of acne reduction. That will harm your skin and lead to a whole host of other problems. "A physical exfoliant (something that contains beads or small grains) can be used once or twice a week," she says."A gentle chemical exfoliant may be used daily depending on its strength. Listen to your skin. If it is ever sensitive or red after exfoliating, reduce your frequency."

We recommend to those with acne prone skin to use Dermalogica's Gentle Cream Exfoliant once a week! This non-abrasive exfoliation treatment helps stimulate cell renewal as natural fruit enzymes detach dead skin cells to improve skin texture. Plus, aloe vera helps calm and soothe - the perfect combination for acne-prone skin. It also contains lactic and hydroxy acid for dramtically smoother skin while increasing your skins hydration!

3. It Helps Other Skincare Products Penetrate Deeper

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Since pores are unclogged and the surface of the skin is smoothed and rid of any dead or dry skin, your other skincare products are able to penetrate more deeply. "Exfoliation helps serums, moisturizers, and growth factors penetrate deeper into the skin," Talakoub says. When something that's rich in nourishing ingredients penetrates deeper, it's able to work more effectively. That's why exfoliation should always be included in your skincare routine, so your expensive moisturizers and serums can work their magic. The last thing you want is for your brand-new, insanely expensive face serum to be hindered by dead skin and pore-clogging material. Take it from Dakar. "Dead skin basically becomes a barrier between your skin and serums. By removing it you allow everything to work much better." Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant is gentle enough to use everyday, leaving your skin smooth and prepped for the rest of your skincare and makeup routine! Its unique rice-based powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter. Dermalogica's unique skin brightening complex helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation while a super-soothing blend of green tea, ginkgo and colloidal oatmeal helps to calm the skin, leaving it extraordinarily clear and refreshed.

4. It Evens Skin Tone

People with dark spots, rough texture, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars know how frustrating they can be to treat. I'm right there with you. I have a cluster of old acne scars lining my chin that took months of exfoliation and patience to remove. But they're gone, which is the only thing that matters, right? Exfoliants break down dry and dead skin while smoothing texture, which means the skin appears to look more uniform over time. Try Dermalogica's Daily Resurfacer. This daily, leave-on exfoliating treatment brightens and tones all skin conditions. Each precisely-measured, leave-on dose contains one application of alpha and beta hydroxy acids and enzymes to smooth the skin, helping to reduce the signs of premature aging without irritation or redness. It helps even skin tone with brightening Rice Extract, soothing Rooibos (Aspalatous Linearis) and Green teas, combined with Hyaluronic Acid and Eelgrass, helps skin retain moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

5. It Boosts Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage

Exfoliation has many benefits, including stimulation of lymphatic drainage for internal cleansing and stimulation of oxygen-rich blood to feed and nourish the skin's surface. The former is a form of skin detoxification, working to remove toxins and other unhealthy debris. The latter boosts cellular health to reveal glowy, radiant skin.

6. It Increases Cell Turnover

Aside from increased circulation, exfoliation also boosts the skin's radiance in another way. It "helps cell turnover so the skin looks more glowing," says Talakoub. This means that the skin keeps fresh, healthy cells at the surface, removing dead, dry, or dying ones. In terms of appearance, this results in that ultra-dewy and baby-faced complexion we all strive for. An at home peel is a great way to speed up that cell turn over. Dermalogica's NEW Rapid Reveal Peel will kick-start cell renewal and achieve visible radiance. Their maximum-strength exfoliant delivers powerful results with no downtime. A unique complex of phytoactive AHA extracts, Lactic Acid and fermented plant enzymes helps reveal new, firmer skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by removing dulling surface debris without causing dehydration. Pumpkin Fruit Enzyme and Rice Bran Extract help even skin tone by resurfacing the skin and accelerating cell turnover while smoothing Australian Caviar Lime Extract brightens skin for a more radiant complexion. Plus, it comes in an amazing travel bag with a suction cup for increased visibility on your bathroom mirror and ease of use!

7. It Stimulates Collagen Synthesis

Finally, regular exfoliation helps to stimulate collagen synthesis to improve the skin's texture, integrity, and keep the skin looking plump, tight, and young. In this way, exfoliating actually offers anti-aging benefits, which might be why so many people swear that it helps lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Cue Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant. This thermal skin exfoliant infuses skin with age-fighting ingredients.This powerful skin polisher combines physical and chemical exfoliants to refine skin texture and enhance penetration of age-fighting vitamins into skin. Resurfacing microgranules gently polish off dulling skin cells to reveal smoother, fresher skin immediately. Unique thermal technology activates upon contact with water to stimulate penetration of skin-sloughing Salicylic Acid and Retinol, while Prickly Pear Extract accelerates skin's natural exfoliation process. White Tea suppresses the formation of collagen-degrading MMPs while Licorice and vitamins C and E brighten skin tone, provide antioxidant defense against damaging free radicals (Reactive Oxygen Species) and help promote skin firmness. Skin feels and looks dramatically improved and smoother.

As for how often you should be exfoliating, listen to your skin. Some people prefer chemical exfoliants over physical ones and vice versa, but it's up to your specific needs. Luckily, we have some general guidelines. We recommend that people with rosacea exfoliate once a week. Normal skin can handle three to seven times a week with a gentle exfoliant, but cut that number back if you're using something more intense. For example, if you use a chemical exfoliant, aim for one to three times per week. If you use a physical exfoliant like a scrub, aim for three to four times per week. "Look for tiny finely milled grains such as flax seeds and rice, they should not scratch and damage skin."

#HappyExfoliating

Reference: Bydrie.com

Posted on September 13, 2018

Eccotique Salons & Spas

Older Post

Back to Eccotique Blog

Newer Post