Exfoliating

Another basic step in good skin care is exfoliation.  Exfoliation helps remove dead surface skin cells, dissolve and loosen surface intracellular cement that holds cells together making the skin look smoother and more refined. Some exfoliating can help with stimulating and correcting, improving moisture content and the barrier function of skin, influencing the skin cells.  Effects of exfoliating also enables products to penetrate the skin better.  On oily skin or acne prone, they work by loosening pore impaction and removing dead skin cells within follicles to treat and prevent hyperkeratosis that can cause acne.  

There are several methods of exfoliation.  Mechanical means of exfoliating are like microdermabrasion, microdermaplaning (shown in the picture), the use of a Clarisonic brush, and even a wash cloth exfoliates. These treatments are often used along with exfoliating products for a bigger effect. 

Glycolic, lactic, tartaric, malic, salicylic, and enzymes all can exfoliate and are used in products of various forms like in cleansers, creams, and peels and scrubs.

How do you know which exfoliants to use? 

First, I want to tell you the scrubs with shells, like apricot scrubs, are not a good choice. They scratch your skin and are much too rough.  

So, figure out you skin type and desired result, then you and your skin care person can choose which methods and products to use.

My suggestions for the best methods for specific skin types are:

Any skin type can benefit from using a Clarisonic brush…. men, women, teens, sensitive skin, acne prone skin, dry skin, all skin.

Speaking of men, did you know men exfoliate daily by shaving? 

If your skin is sensitive, you are best using a Clarisonic brush, use a retinol ,have a microdermabrasion  and or mild chemical peels occasionally.

For oily skin types, exfoliating is tolerated easily, but don't over do it.  Note to self :) If you dry your skin out or strip the normal oil barrier, your skin could get oilier trying to make up for the loss. Salicylic acid (and acid combinations with SA ) products, peels, microderms, and use of Retin A (Tretinoin), and scrubs are beneficial. 

Dry skin and aging skin will benefit using Glycolic and Lactic acids products, peels, microderms, and Renova, which is Tretinoin in a heavier cream base. These products stimulate and correct signs of aging. As I mentioned earlier, exfoliation can help dry skin because it improves the skins moisture content.

Hope this is helpful.

Liz