Why Exfoliation is an Important Part of Your Skin Care Routine

Exfoliation involves the removal of cells from the top layer of the skin. This process is just as necessary for maintaining healthy, radiant skin as cleansing and moisturizing. It is important to understand why exfoliation should be a regular part of a healthy skin care routine, the benefits involved, and how often to exfoliate different areas of the skin.

Why Exfoliate on a Regular Basis?

The top layer of skin consists of dead skin cells. The process of exfoliation removes these dead cells to reveal healthier, younger looking skin beneath. If these cells aren't removed on a regular basis they can accumulate and clog pores, very dry skin will start to peel and flake, and wrinkles will appear deeper and more numerous. If skin looks dull or seems to flake easily, it is probably time to exfoliate!

What Are Some of the Benefits of Exfoliation?

The biggest reason to exfoliate is because the skin will look fresh and vibrant afterwards. But there are other benefits as well. It will also enable skin care products to work more effectively. Products will be able to penetrate the skin more easily without the extra layers of dead skin cells. Make up will look better as well. The exfoliation process can also even out skin tone and help fight the aging process. This is particularly true in post-menopausal women since the process of shedding dead skin cells and regenerating new skin slows down during this time.

Which Treatment is the Best?

The best way to exfoliate depends on the overall health and sensitivity of each person's skin. If a manual exfoliating scrub is chosen, one with round, smooth granules should be used instead of one that is rough or jagged.

There are numerous types of chemical methods of exfoliation to choose from. Some are milder than others. Facial peels are a type of chemical exfoliation. Also, choosing a product that contains an AHA or BHA, Beta hydroxy acid such as salicylic acid, can also help with exfoliation and leave skin looking healthy and fresh.

How Often to Exfoliate?

It is recommended to exfoliate manually at least once a week and using chemical exfoliation intermittently, though this will vary depending on your skin type. Weekly exfoliation will be best for those with sensitive skin. Oily skin, however, may need to have those layers of dead skin cells removed more often. It is also important to remember to exfoliate the skin on the entire body on a regular basis. This includes hands, feet, and even your lips. Lipstick flaking off is a sign that the lips need exfoliating.

Whether it is moisturizing, cleansing, or exfoliating, it is important to choose the best products for skin care. Vivant Skin Care has been providing medically proven skin care therapies for nearly 50 years. Browse our skin cleansing products for solutions to all your skin care needs.