Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered what happened to your skin’s youthful glow? As we age, our skin becomes less radiant because its natural renewal process takes longer than it used to. The good news is that this can easily be addressed with regular exfoliation.
Our skin naturally sheds billions of cells every day. This process can slow down for a number of reasons including aging, genetics, photo damage (sun damage), or other skin disorders. On average, cellular renewal of the skin occurs every 28 days. This is the process in which older cells on the skin’s surface die and slough away, while new skin cells work their way to the surface to emerge as new vibrant skin. When cellular renewal slows down we begin to see skin that is visibly dull, with uneven, rough texture. We may even find that fine lines and wrinkles are accentuated.
Exfoliation is the removal of those dead skin cells that collect on the outer surface of the skin, thus speeding up the renewal process. There are many benefits to regular exfoliation:
- Softens and smooths skin texture
- Brightens the complexion
- Stimulates collagen
- Reduces fine lines and photo damage
- Detoxifies the skin
- Prevents breakouts by keeping pores clear
- Improves product penetration and treatment results
- Allows for even application of makeup or self-tanner
There are two types of exfoliants:
Physical exfoliants remove dead skin cells using friction. Examples include scrubs containing granules or micro-beads, loofahs, and buffing cloths. Professional microdermabrasion treatments are also considered a form of physical exfoliation.
Chemical exfoliants are mild acids that dissolve the “glue” that binds dead skin cells to the other skin cells, and are commonly found in varying strengths in skin care products, and professional chemical peels. Examples of chemical exfoliants include:
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) – these exfoliate the outer surface of the skin and help improve the skin’s moisture content. Common AHAs include glycolic acid and lactic acid.
- Beta-Hydroxy acids (BHAs) – these exfoliate the outer surface of the skin, and have the added ability to penetrate and exfoliate pores. They also have anti-inflammatory properties. A common BHA is salicylic acid.
- Fruit enzymes – contained in fruits such as pineapple and papaya, they digest dead skin cells and exfoliate gently without irritation.
Mild exfoliation can be achieved at home with the appropriate products, and many of us can achieve great results by combining several exfoliating techniques.
For those seeking more intense exfoliation, or to improve specific skin concerns, professional exfoliating treatments can be very beneficial. Examples of these treatments include microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Newer treatments such as Silk Peel™, and Hydrafacial™ actually combine both physical and chemical exfoliation, and can dramatically improve the overall look and health of the skin.
Of course there can be too much of a good thing! It is very important not to over-exfoliate as this may strip the skin of essential oils, and cause excessive irritation.
Mild exfoliation at home should be done 1-2 times per week, while professional treatments should be done 1-2 times per month at the most. Since exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, it is essential to protect it daily with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater.
Please contact us at Physician Skincare Centre (North Vancouver) or Pender Medi Spa (Vancouver) to book a complimentary consultation to learn how you may incorporate regular exfoliation into your current skin care routine. Your youthful, radiant skin will be back before you know it!
