exfoliation rubs away years

The magic of exfoliation

You have probably heard that it is important to exfoliate your skin – but do you really know why? If you did know about all the fantastic benefits you get from exfoliating we are sure you would incorporate some serious exfoliation into your daily skincare routine – and you would definitely see the results.

So, here – along with a couple of skincare experts in the videos – we are going to explain everything you need to know about exfoliation – why you should do it and how to get the best from it.

What is exfoliation and why is it important? 

Exfoliation is simply the process of removing dead cells from the surface of the skin.

This may not sound like much, but it is important for a number of reasons.

If dead skin cells are left cluttering the skin, the complexion will look dull and unhealthy. Removing them makes skin look instantly brighter, smoother and healthier.

Exfoliation can also encourage faster cell turn over. This is good because it means you will have newer, younger cells on the surface of the skin. These cells are flatter and smoother, so your skin will look a whole lot better.

Exfoliation is good for everyone, but the benefits are even more apparent as we age. When we are young, cell turnover is a relatively rapid process. Surface cells fall off roughly every 28 days and new, younger cells are constantly being produced to take their place.

But, when we are older, this process – like so much else – slows down. Now, exfoliation really comes into its own because not only will it get rid of dead cells that are making skin look rough, uneven and dull, it will also stimulate new cells to form faster – helping to restore a more youthful cycle of cell turnover.

Exfoliation is also great for improving pigmentation, as dead cells accumulate too much brown pigment. These cells can even be pre-cancerous – yet another good reason to get rid of them with a good exfoliation regime.

Watch the video for more on why you should exfoliate…

Methods of exfoliation

Exfoliation can be split into four basic types –

  • physical – abrasive product
  • chemical home use – AHAs, glycolic and salycilic acids
  • chemical clinic – peels
  • lasers

Physical exfoliation means using an abrasive granular product to physically rub off the dead cells. There are many of these on the market but one of our favourites is Offects Exfoliating Polish by ZO Skin Health.

This dermatologist -developed product contains ultra-fine magnesium crystals, and basically works like an at-home microdermabrasion treatment. It also contains Vitamins A, C and E, which deliver anti-oxidant protection.

Chemical home use products contain alpha hydroxy, glycolic or salycilic acids. These work by dissolving the ‘glue’ between the cells, causing the old surface cells to peel off faster and stimulating new cell growth. We recommend a number of chemical exfoliants from both ZO and glo. One of our skincare experts can advise you at a free consultation if you wish to learn more.

Chemical in-clinic products are stronger chemical peel treatments that are not suitable for home use. We offer a number of medical peels which can make a dramatic difference to the skin – smoothing, minimising lines, brightening the complexion and even giving a lifted appearance. The strongest peels do require some down time, but are well worth it as results are fantastic. Book a free consultation if you want to know more.

See what the Obagi Blue Peel can do…

Lasers – lasers achieve similar results to the stronger chemical peels. The difference is that instead of being removed by chemicals, the surface of the skin is removed by laser. As stronger chemical peel products and techniques have been perfected, laser resurfacing has become less popular as it is a more painful procedure.

Minimise enlarged pores

Another fantastic benefit of exfoliation is that it reduces enlarged pores. This video explains exactly how and why it works – and gives you a routine to reduce the size of your pores in only a few weeks. If you want to know more about the chemical products that will allow you to follow this routine, book a free consultation with us.

Book a free consultation

To find out more about exfoliation and any of the methods mentioned here, book a free consultation with one of our medical skincare experts. Simply call us on 966 860 258 or fill in the form on the right and we will get back to you.