Have you exfoliated lately?

How is exfoliation done?

There are two main ways to exfoliate: mechanical and chemical. Each boasts specific advantages.

• Mechanical (or physical) exfoliation uses a tool such as a brush or loofah sponge, or a scrub containing abrasive particles, to physically remove dead skin cells. “Mechanical exfoliation can improve skin luster by taking off a dead layer of skin that can make it look dull,” Dr. Reynolds says. “And it can help unclog pores a bit, which can reduce some types of acne.”
• Chemical exfoliation uses chemicals often alpha and beta hydroxy acids or salicylic acid to liquify dead skin cells. “Chemical exfoliants work on a more micro-level to help dissolve excess skin cells and reduce uneven pigmentation sitting at the surface of the skin,” she explains. “They also restore skin glow, improve acne, and give the skin a little more shine.”

Why do skin care products so often promote exfoliation?

Perhaps hundreds of commercially available skin care products from body washes to cleansers to face masks are labeled as exfoliating, Dr. Reynolds notes. But she’s skeptical about why such a wide array of items plug this feature so prominently.

“It’s advantageous for a cosmetics company to sell consumers more products in a skin care line,” she says. “But it’s buyer beware, because this is a completely unregulated market, and cosmetic companies can make claims that don’t have to be substantiated in actual clinical trials.”

Do we need to exfoliate our skin?

No. “Nothing happens if you don’t exfoliate. You just walk around with bumpy or slightly dry skin. Which is inconsequential except for cosmetic reasons,”

“No one has to exfoliate, but it can be helpful to เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา exfoliate the arms and legs,” she adds. “As we age, these areas get more dry than other parts of the body. People notice they build up a lot more flaking skin and an almost fish-scale appearance.”

That phenomenon may or may not sign of keratosis pilaris, a common. But harmless skin condition characterized by rough, bumpy “chicken skin” on the upper arms and thighs. Physical exfoliators are a good first choice. Because keratosis pilaris covers areas. That have tougher skin than the face, she says. But it’s fine to use a cleanser or lotion containing a chemical exfoliant instead. Either type can improve skin texture and the skin’s appearance.