What exactly is exfoliation and why is it so important for your skin's health? Most people do not realize exfoliation is a critical step to a complete skincare regimen.
Why is exfoliation so important? Exfoliation is the process of removing and buffing away dead skin cells. Your skin naturally turns over (or sheds) every 28 days. When this happens, new skin cells form. Unfortunately, dead skin cells do not always shed completely. This can lead to dry, flaky skin, clogged pores, and acne. For that reason, many people will exfoliate their skin to alleviate these problems.
Regular exfoliation should be incorporated into your skincare regimen because it has many benefits for your skin. These benefits include collagen production, a brighter complexion & helps other skincare molecules absorb more evenly into the skin. If you are acne prone, regular exfoliation can help prevent clogged pores leading to less breakouts.
When you are looking to exfoliate your skin, there are many options. You can use Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) and Retinols.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are water soluble acids derived from sugary fruits. These acids turn over the surface skin cells, revealing an even pigmented skin tone. They can also increase the thickness of deeper layers of skin, promoting firmness. These acids these include:
citric acid (found in citrus fruits)
glycolic acid (found in sugar cane)
lactic acid (found in sour milk and tomato juice)
malic acid (found in apples)
tartaric acid (found in grapes)
Beta Hydroxy Acids are oil soluble. These acids penetrate deep into your hair follicle and dry out oil & dead skin cells clogging pores. BHAs are typically used to treat acne and sun damage.
An example of a BHA is salicylic acid. Salicylic Acid is used to effectively treat acne because it addresses both the inflammation and redness.
Retinols are derived from Vitamin A. They are typically used to reduce signs of sun damage, minimize aging skin and treat acne. Retinols protect your skin from free radicals and pump up collagen production. They are commonly used in the exfoliating process because they accelerate the turn over of dead skin cells.
Exfoliation is one major step in a healthy skincare routine. When partnering with Inspira Skin, we can help outline a medical grade skincare regimen to help your patients achieve their skincare goals. Click on the contact us button to schedule your own skincare consultation today!
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