The Importance of Exfoliating

If you are interested in skincare, I’m sure you have been told that exfoliating the face and body is an important part of any skincare routine. Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can be done by using a physical or chemical exfoliant. Commonly used physical exfoliants are a clean towel, brush, or face scrub with granules to remove dead skin cells. Some liquid or gel exfoliants you can purchase do not have granules, these are chemical exfoliants and remove the dead skin with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or enzymes that loosen the substance that holds dead skin cells together. As the skin repairs itself there can be layers and layers of dead skin left on the surface, removing these dead skin cells has several benefits to the function and appearance of the skin.

1. Improves Skin Texture- Just moisturizing is not enough to keep your skin soft and smooth. If you are moisturizing over dead skin you are essentially just matting down that dry and flaky skin, and this will be apparent in the skins’ texture even if it is moist. For truly smooth skin you must exfoliate to remove the dry, dead skin and then moisturize.
2. Prevents Wrinkles- Dead skin is just that, dead. It is dull and doesn’t have any elasticity, which causes it to wrinkle and sag. Exfoliating removes these layers to reveal new, younger looking skin.
3. Improves Pores- Exfoliating has several benefits for our pores. First, it can stop pores from getting any larger as we get older. Pores can become bigger and more visible as we get older because more and more dead skin is building up inside them; to fit this dead skin the pores stretch and become larger. Exfoliating regularly will prevent this build-up. Exfoliating will also help prevent blackheads and breakouts. The dead skin left in pores combined with the oils from our skin will attract dirt causing black heads or can be a food source for bacteria, resulting in breakouts. Removing the dead skin before it can attract these things is the first step to clearer skin. Lastly, exfoliating and having clear pores will increase the absorption and effectiveness of any skincare being used.
4. Increases Circulation- Exfoliating stimulates the skin which increases blood flow to this area of the body. Blood is what brings the skin the nutrients it needs to continue to produce new skin, as well as removing any toxins that have built up.

Making exfoliation of the face and body part of your regular routine is so important to the look and health of the skin. This is something that can be done easily and at any price point, really only needing something as basic as a clean towel to benefit the skin in a number of ways.

xo,