Exfoliation! Why is it so Important for my skin?

Are you the Queen of exfoliation? I personally absolutely love how my skin feels after I have exfoliated. So why is it so important for your skin to be exfoliated regularly?

Well here’s a fact for you, your skins sheds approximately 35,000 cells an hour! Therefore exfoliation is a critical step to ensure removal of dead skin cells to reveal fresh, smooth and glowing skin.

Here’s another skin fact for you. The Skin’s cell turnover rate is roughly around 28 days. Unfortunately as we age this process slows down. “How do I calculate my Skin Cell turnover rate?” I hear you ask. Don’t panic you do not need to be a Maths wizz! Ok, take the age that you currently are, and that’s your answer. For example: I am 35 years old, so my Skin Cell Turn Rate is approximately 35 days.

And lastly, it doesn’t matter what skin type you are exfoliation is for everyone.

Now we know some facts let’s talk about the Benefits to exfoliation.

It Unclogs Pores

By exfoliating we are sweeping away that layer of dead skin cells and surface debris that may remain on your skin still after cleansing. By exfoliating and removing this we are effectively stopping it from making its way into your pores, causing blackheads and whiteheads. If you are someone who suffers with this you will understand that it is very difficult to get rid of them, so by exfoliating regularly than we have a chance to stop them forming before they appear.

It Prevents Acne Breakouts

Acne Skin produces 4-5 times more skin cells, on the surface and within the pores or follicles than any other skin type, which is why exfoliation is crucial. Just as exfoliating reduces blackheads and whiteheads it also reduces other breakouts that lead to acne. Incorporating Exfoliation once or twice a week into your skin routine is recommended, but using an abrasive scrub is not what I would recommend. For an Acne prone skin I would suggest using a chemical based exfoliant rather than physical one, mainly because if your breakouts are red and inflamed already than a physical scrub will only make matters worse.

Enables Your Other Skincare Products to Penetrate Deeper

Do you ever get flaky bits on your skin? Is the first product you reach for your moisturiser? What if I told you it should be your exfoliator? By applying lashings of moisturiser on to dead, dry skin cells all you are doing is moisturising your dead, dry skin cells. By exfoliating regularly, we are freeing our skin of that dead layer that blocks and limits the penetration of the rest of your skincare.

It Evens Skin Tone

For those of us with dark spots, rough texture, hyperpigmentation and acne scars (and I know all about acne scars) know how frustrating it is to treat. By exfoliating and breaking down the layers of dead, dry skin we can achieve a smoother, more even tone to our skin.

It Increases Cell Turnover

Does your skin ever look dull and a bit lack lustre? And you wished that your complexion looked more radiant! I think you know what I’m about to say, “you need to exfoliate”. By exfoliating we are increasing our skin turnover rate and remember that drops as our skin ages. Other benefits result in a fresher, ultra-dewy, baby faced complexion.

It Stimulates Collagen Synthesis

And finally, regular exfoliation can stimulate your collagen synthesis. This helps to improve your skins texture, and helps the skin to look plump & tight equalling a younger looking skin. So exfoliating is actually anti-ageing too, I always say “exfoliate those wrinkles away”. And that’s because if you have a line or wrinkle that has a build-up of dead skin cells lying in it, that will actually accentuate your wrinkle, and nobody wants that.

I bet you can’t wait to go and exfoliate now you know the benefits, but how often should you be exfoliating and which exfoliator is right for you?

Regarding frequency of exfoliation I would say listen to your skin. Some skins will only be able to tolerant 1-2 per week where others will be able to exfoliate 3-7 times a week. It also depends on the type of exfoliation you choose to use, some people like a physical grainy exfoliator where others prefer a chemical based one. Below I have listed the range of exfoliators that Dermalogica provide, if you would like to discuss which one is best suited to you then please contact me on 07732478212.

Daily Microfoliant

Achieve brighter, smoother skin every day with this iconic exfoliating powder. Rice-based powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to polish skin to perfection. A Skin Brightening Complex of Phytic Acid from Rice Bran, White Tea and Licorice helps balance uneven skin tone while a super-soothing blend of Colloidal Oatmeal and Allantoin calms skin. Gentle enough for daily use.

Daily Superfoliant

This highly-active resurfacer delivers your smoothest skin ever, and helps fight the biochemical and environmental triggers known to accelerate skin aging. The advanced powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing powerful enzymes, skin-smoothing alpha hydroxy acids and anti-pollution technology. Activated Binchotan Charcoal purifies the skin, helping to adsorb environmental toxins from deep within the pores, while Niacinamide, Red Algae and Tara Fruit Extract help guard against the damaging effects of pollution. Not recommended for users of medically-prescribed exfoliation products.

Multivitamin Thermafoliant

Thermal skin exfoliant infuses skin with age-fighting ingredients.This powerful skin polisher combines physical and chemical exfoliants to refine skin texture and enhance penetration of age-fighting vitamins into skin. Resurfacing microgranules gently polish off dulling skin cells to reveal smoother, fresher skin immediately. Unique thermal technology activates upon contact with water to stimulate penetration of skin-sloughing Salicylic Acid and Retinol, while Prickly Pear Extract accelerates skin's natural exfoliation process. White Tea suppresses the formation of MMPs while Licorice and vitamins C and E brighten skin tone, provide antioxidant defense against damaging free radicals (Reactive Oxygen Species) and help promote skin firmness. Skin feels and looks dramatically improved and smoother. Keep out of eyes.

Rapid Reveal Peel

Kick-start cell renewal and achieve visible radiance with this at-home peel. Our maximum-strength exfoliant delivers powerful results with no downtime. A unique complex of phytoactive AHA extracts, Lactic Acid and fermented plant enzymes helps reveal new, firmer skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by removing dulling surface debris without causing dehydration. Pumpkin Fruit Enzyme and Rice Bran Extract help even skin tone by resurfacing the skin and accelerating cell turnover while smoothing Australian Caviar Lime Extract brightens skin for a more radiant complexion. Rapid Reveal Peel comes in a 10-pack (0.1 US FL OZ / 3 ml per peel), complete with travel bag and suction cup for increased visibility and ease of use.

Daily Resurfacer

Daily, leave-on exfoliating treatment to brighten and tone all skin conditions. Use daily between professional skin care visits for dramatic smoothing results. Each precisely-measured, leave-on dose contains one application of alpha and beta hydroxy acids and enzymes to smooth the skin, helping to reduce the signs of premature aging without irritation or redness. Help even skin tone with brightening Rice Extract, soothing Rooibos (Aspalatous Linearis) and Green teas, combined with Hyaluronic Acid and Eelgrass, help skin retain moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Not recommended for users of medically-prescribed exfoliation products.