7 Benefits Of Exfoliation: Why Exfoliation Is The Key To Healthier Looking Skin
Skincare routines contain many different steps, all of which contribute to healthy and glowing skin if implemented correctly. Some steps, like cleansing our skin, have to be implemented daily, while others we practice from time to time in order to keep our skin at bay. Exfoliation is one of those steps.
Regular exfoliation provides many benefits for the skin. In this blog post, we will first explain what the exfoliation practice consists of, then we will explain all the different benefits you too can experience if you decide to include regular exfoliation as a part of your skincare regimen
What is exfoliation?
For those of you that aren’t really into skincare and would like to know more about the process of exfoliation, here are the basics that you need to keep in mind regarding exfoliation.
In simple terms, exfoliating is the process of shedding off dead skin cells from the skin’s surface by means of tools (loofah, for example), acids or basically any other substances that do the job.
Different Types of Exfoliation
Generally speaking, there are three different types of exfoliation: physical, chemical and enzymatic. You can probably conclude what kind of exfoliators each entails, but we’ll give you a brief rundown of all of them and all the ways in which they differ from each other.
Physical
Physical exfoliation includes small granules that are massaged into the skin in order to get rid of those dead skin cells and help reveal refreshed skin from underneath. These granules can range from sugar, crushed kernels of fruits and nuts to different kinds of salts.
Chemical
Chemical exfoliations are usually done at doctors’ offices since they include different types of acids such as alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) ,beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and poly-hydroxy acid (PHA). These acids work because they loosen the bonds that hold onto the dead skin cells.
Enzymatic
Enzyme exfoliation is a type of chemical exfoliation that breaks down the "glue" that holds dead, dulling skin cells together. Enzyme exfoliation works more gently than AHA chemical exfoliants to shed skin cells and speed up the skin's natural exfoliation process.
BENEFITS OF EXFOLIATING?
1. It unclogs pores
Firstly, when you're exfoliating your skin, you're effectively unclogging your pores. 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.
2. It Helps Other Skincare Products Penetrate Deeper
When 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. 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. Dead skin basically becomes a barrier between your skin and serums. By removing it you allow everything to work much better!
3. 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. Lang & Ivy recommends using Sea Kelp and Green Tea Facial Scrub 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. Exfoliate three or four times a week. Listen to your skin. If it is ever sensitive or red after exfoliating, reduce your frequency.
4. It Evens Skin Tone
A problem that often succeeds acne is hyperpigmentation. If a person uses harsh treatments that aren’t compatible with her skin type, or if she squeezes the pimples she knows she shouldn’t, or even if she doesn’t use adequate sun protection, a skin disorder known as hyperpigmentation might occur. Hyperpigmentation includes anything from dark spots to uneven texture and sunspots. Other than acne, other circumstances can also cause hyperpigmentation such as pregnancy and age.
By exfoliating, you’re getting rid of the dead skin that contains this damaged skin and you’re slowly but surely revealing healthy and glowing skin from underneath. That way, the pigmentation diminishes from the face and you’re left with the skin you had prior to suffering from any kinds of skin problems.
If you want smoother and dewier skin and you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, make sure you add regular exfoliation on your weekly to-do list. Not only will your skin texture improve, but pamper nights will be a lot more fun as well!