Exfoliation and Why It Is So Important

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the outermost layer of skin, or epidermis.  Exfoliation of the skin improves the skin’s appearance leaving it feeling smoother and fresher looking.  Exfoliation is an important part of facial skin treatments and body treatments.

There are two types of exfoliation:

1)    Mechanical Exfoliation.  This type of exfoliation removes dead skin cells by physically rubbing them off of the skins surface with an abrasive.  A body scrub such as a sugar scrub or skin brushing would be examples of mechanical exfoliation.  A face scrub should use small, round gentle abrasives.  A more aggressive approach to mechanical exfoliation is microdermabrasion, which is available in two types – crystal or diamond tip.  Diamond tip microdermabrasion is the latest form of microdermabrasion and is used most widely.  Other forms of mechanical exfoliation are the Jet Peel and HydraFacial.

2)    Chemical Exfoliation.  Enzymes, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, trichloroacetic acid, and phenol loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away.  A chemical exfoliation, also known as a chemical peel, can either be very gentle or very aggressive. The depth of the chemical exfoliation is determined by the type and concentration in the peel solution, the way in which they are applied and how long they are left on the skin.

              

Why Is Exfoliation Important?

The skin is continually generating new skin cells in the dermis, which is the lower layer of the skin.  As the cells are generated, they rise to the surface of the skin called the epidermis.  Gradually the cells die and become filled with keratin.  These cells give our skin its protective quality but they are constantly sloughing off so that the newly generated cells can replace them.

The average rate of cell turnover for an adult is 28-42 days.  But as we age, this process slows.  Cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin’s surface.  By age 50 cell turnover has slowed to 43-84 days.  Exfoliation keeps cell turnover going because it removes those cells that are clinging on, revealing the fresher, younger skin cells below.

Things to remember:

Be careful not to over exfoliate.  It is always best to talk with an esthetician about the best product and frequency of use that would be recommended for your skin type.  You should be especially cautious with sensitive or aging skin.

Our goal is to help your skin function at its maximum capacity at any age.