The (Skin)ny on Exfoliation
Want glowing skin like Hayden?
In my opinion, exfoliation is the most neglected but one of the most important step in your skincare routine. So many ladies simply skip this altogether and then complain that her skin is grey and dull.
The science bit....Yawn!
New skin cells are created in the dermis (the lower layer). These lovely plump healthy cells move upwards towards the epidermis and change many times while doing so. During their journey, they die and become saturated with keratin. Keratin is important for the skin as it protects it from the elements. As we age our natural cycle of cell renewal slows down, which can leave our skin dry and patchy. Children's cell turnover is between 24-28 days (lucky ducks) this slows down dramatically after we stop growing up to 40 days and beyond :(
As we age exfoliation is important to encourage our skin to keep producing cells and to keep our skin even and moisturised.
Its quite logical really if you think about it...if you have a layer of dead cells lying on top of your skin then whats the point of putting your delicious expensive moisturiser on when its only going to be absorbed into the dead cells and not into your skin...yep told you exfoliation made sense!!
There are two different types of exfoliation: Physical and Chemical (or a combination of the two)
Physical:
This is the most basic way to exfoliate your skin and is commonly called a Scrub. The product will have some sort of grain, seed, sugar, salt or man made sphere the buff the dead cells off the skin.
Microdermabrasion is an example of physical exfoliation. You can also use a mitt or a brush with your cleanser to exfoliate. This is not as effective as chemical exfoliation.
Chemical.
These are mask or cream form. They contain salicylic
acid, lactic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid (AHAs and BHAs) The are
more effective as they work by breaking down the protein the 'glue' the
dead cell to the skin this making the cells easier the buff away.
Chemical peels use these method.
Chemical and Physical Combination
The best of both worlds!
oh yeah! This is a match made in heaven! A mix of both acids and
physical, the acid breaks down the 'glue' and the physical scrubs it
away.
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