EXFOLIATION…
Dead skin serves a purpose. Over exfoliation is harmful to the skin. Knowing that and now making sure your skin is exfoliated is important. This sounds confusing but it really isn’t…too much of a good thing is a problem. To get started as I said in a previous blog, know your skin. Do you have extremely dry, flaky skin? Do you have clogged pores? Do you have acne. acne being one zit to cystic acne? Know what ingredients are in the products you are using. Does your moisturizer contain glycolic acid? Does your cleanser exfoliate your skin? Do you use topical antibiotics or Retin - A? Now decide or better yet let your skin care expert help you decide what type of exfoliation is right for you. This treatment is not one size fits all. But before I go over the different types of exfoliation let me explain why dead skin serves a purpose and also why getting rid of it is helpful.
Dead skin if it’s not a heavy build up can actually protect you from harmful bacteria and elements in the air as well as keeping your skin hydrated. When you remove all the dead skin you are stripping off all of your protective mantle . For example if you have ever overused a scrub or a retinol your skin will actually look dryer, it can pucker and become red and extremely sensitive and flaky. Once this happens it is very hard to get the balance back. Balance ( mentioned in a previous blog as well) is key to great skin as well as a healthy lifestyle. The goal is to not disrupt the “protective mantle” know as your (acid mantle) which is a very fine, slightly acidic film on the surface of your skin acting as a barrier to bacteria and viruses as well as other potential contaminants that might penetrate the skin. Basically it’s the oil the skin produces and sweat mixture that creates this. We do not want to cause an imbalance. However, too much dead skin on the surface will prevent your skin from accepting moisture which leads to dry, dull skin as well as fine lines. Also, by not removing dead skin your pores may become clogged as well. It goes both ways we don’t want to over or under exfoliate the skin. As I mentioned this is not a one size fits all you have to know your skin and what works best for you. This varies in everyone due to skin care products, hormones, diet, medicines, stresses and lifestyle. You need to consider your whole environment. Here are a few different was to exfoliate skin…see what’s right for you?
*SCRUBS
*ENZYMES
*RETINOL
*GLYCOLIC ACID
*LACTIC ACID
*SALICYLIC ACID
*VITAMIN C
*FACIAL BRUSHES
*WASHCLOTH
*CHEMICAL PEEL
All of the above remove dead skin, and each offer extra benefits to help fine lines, age spots, brightening and firming as well. When you know what you want to address and what your skin can handle you choose the proper product. If you happen to have an adverse reaction think about whether you are doing too much or simply using the wrong product. Pay attention your skin knows!
