Why exfoliate?

The benefits of exfoliation are endless and is the key to keeping your skin in tip-top condition.

The outer layer of your skin, the epidermis, is made up of 5 layers. Skin cells are produced in the bottom layer and travel to the top over a period of time to form what we see and feel on the surface. This process is called the skin cell renewal cycle.

At its peak, which is between the ages of 16-20, it takes a mere 14 days for the cells to renew themselves. Each year beyond the age of 20 you can add at least a day on to the cycle: at age 30, 24 days, age 40, 30 days and age 50, 44 days. The longer the cells take to get to the surface, the worse they look when they get there, especially if you don’t take good care of them along their journey!

When their life begins in the bottom layer of your skin the cells are like plump grapes; exposure to toxins internally and externally, UV light and the elements leaves them looking like shriveled raisins once they reach the surface.

This is where exfoliation comes in. By regularly sloughing off the dull, dead cells on the surface you stimulate your skin to produce new fresh cells in the bottom layer to enhance the skin cell renewal cycle. This also removes the barrier between the dead cells and more active cells. Even the best or most expensive products won’t work by simply sitting on top of dead cells.

Benefits of regular exfoliation

• Smoother 
• More hydrated
• Less fine lines and wrinkles
• Fewer blackheads
• Clearer complexion
• Simulate collagen production

Ways to exfoliate

There are two main options when it comes to exfoliation: physical exfoliation and peels.

Physical exfoliation utilizes particles to scrub away dead cells. When choosing a scrub it is important to choose the particles that are right for the job. Many exfoliating products contain inexpensive large particles that are too abrasive and can cause micro tears on the surface of your skin. Rather than the glowing complexion you are hoping for, you will have blotchy, irritated skin that is prone to breakouts and more susceptible to pigmentation.

Peels dissolve the surface cells and encourage the production of newer cells in the bottom layer of your skin. Some more effective peels will even open up pathways to the middle layers of the skin that allow post-peel products to penetrate deeper. A well formulated fruit peel is the most effect gentle exfoliation there is.

My advice: If you like to physically exfoliate, trade in your apricot, nut and plastic scrubs for gentle seaweed particles that will buff your skin to perfection with Skin Buff by Elemis. For a peel with acids that really work, try the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask by Elemis or the ever popular Papaya Enzyme Peel by Elemis.

Happy exfoliating!