Glowing, healthy skin is on everyone’s wish list, but as we grow older and our skin cell turnover slows down, we’re more likely to experience a dull or lacklustre complexion due to the presence of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. The good news is that by incorporating exfoliation into your skincare regime, you can effectively remove the layer of dead skin cells and restore your skin’s radiance.
But that’s not the only benefit you’ll enjoy when you exfoliate. This crucial step can also lead to clearer, smoother skin free from breakouts and blackheads. Not familiar with the ins and outs of exfoliating? Read on to learn more about the benefits, the different types of exfoliators and the how-tos.
Why is it important to exfoliate?
Our skin naturally sheds dead skin cells roughly every 28 days, but sometimes these cells don’t shed completely. When they sit on the surface of the skin, it may result in dry or flaky patches, as well as clogged pores, which in turn leads to blackheads and breakouts.
Skin cells renew on a daily basis, with new cells replacing the older cells that die. When we exfoliate, we remove this layer of dead skin cells to reveal new, healthy and younger-looking cells.
What are the benefits of exfoliating?
Exfoliation benefits the skin in several different ways:
- By removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, the complexion may appear brighter and more radiant, as dead skin cells have a tendency to make skin look dull.
- It helps prevent breakouts. When dead skin cells are present on the surface of the skin for too long, they may clog the skin’s pores, resulting in dreaded blackheads and whiteheads. By removing dead skin cells regularly, you minimize your chances of breaking out.
- Dead skin cells may form a barrier preventing your skincare products from properly penetrating your skin and doing their job correctly. Exfoliating allows active ingredients to better penetrate the skin, making them more effective.
- Exfoliation helps stimulate collagen synthesis. Collagen is one of the building blocks of our skin, responsible for maintaining its structure and firmness. When our bodies produce less collagen, it results in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as sagging.
- The process of exfoliation stimulates blood flow to the skin, increasing circulation. When blood circulation is increased, it is easier for our bodies to get rid of toxins. It also assists with lymphatic drainage.
What is the difference between a physical and chemical exfoliator?
A physical exfoliator is a mechanical exfoliating product that contains small, hard particles such as beads, nutshells, salt or sugar. These particles act as an abrasive on the skin, physically scrubbing away dead skin cells.
Chemical exfoliators do not contain any hard particles. Instead, they are acid-based solutions that contain exfoliating acids in varying concentrations to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. The most popular types of chemical exfoliators are alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs (such as glycolic and lactic acids), beta hydroxy acids or BHAs (such as salicylic acid) and poly hydroxy acids or PHAs (such as gluconolactone).
When should you exfoliate?
It’s important to exfoliate regularly, but it’s also important not to over-exfoliate, as this can lead to sensitivity. Some exfoliating products are designed to be used daily, others to be used weekly. It all depends on the product’s ingredient concentration and potency. In addition to that, you also need to consider your skin type. If your skin is prone to sensitivity, you may want to exfoliate less frequently to avoid aggravating irritation.
How to choose an exfoliator
There are a lot of different exfoliator formulations on the market and sometimes it can be difficult to know which one is best. Chemical exfoliators are a safer bet, and are also generally more effective. With a physical exfoliator, it is easy to rub a little bit too hard, which leads to skin damage. The small particles may create micro-cuts on the skin, especially if they have sharp edges and are not perfectly round. Chemical exfoliators designed for home use are safe and effective and won’t lead to any abrasions or micro-cuts.
We recommend dr.dermal® Texture Correction Plasma (R695.00), a real game-changer in the home exfoliation business. This product replaced the dr.dermal® Texture Correction Pads, but still features the exact same potent ingredients to reveal smoother and revitalised skin without the risk of over-stimulation.
It contains 20% glycolic acid, and has the power of a professional skin peel in a single application! Glycolic Acid has the smallest molecular size of all the AHAs so it penetrates deeper for predictable and reliable performance. Derived from sugar cane, this natural active ingredient is the most dependable and widely used AHA due to its stability and reliability.
Formulated to give your skin unprecedented balance for a peeling serum, the solution also contains hyaluronic acid for moisturization and a cocktail of multivitamins and antioxidants that protect your skin and deliver superior skin feel.
There is also the option of using a cleanser that contains exfoliating ingredients. If you prefer this format, then dr.dermal® Total Rejuvenation Cleanser (R695.00) or dr.dermal® Clarifying Cleanser (R695.00) may be the right fit for you.
Total Rejuvenation Cleanser is an active exfoliating cleanser designed for everyday use. With its combination of 2.5% glycolic acid and 10% lactic acid, it effectively exfoliates the skin for a natural, glowing complexion. It is perfectly suited for anti-ageing skin concerns.
Clarifying Cleanser is perfect for combination skin, problematic skin, or skin prone to frequent breakouts. Formulated with salicylic acid to decongest blocked pores and relieve inflammation and glycolic acid to improve skin renewal, it is effective yet gentle. This cleanser contains naturally-derived surfactants that will not strip the skin or damage the barrier.
Regular exfoliation with good quality products that contain active ingredients will result in a clearer, smoother and more radiant complexion that is less likely to break out or become dull.
For more information on these and other dr.dermal® products are available online at www.drdermal.com, at SKIN by dr.dermal® treatment clinic, and on Takealot.
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