Exfoliation is the process of removing dry and dead skin cells from the skin's surface. It can be performed mechanically by microdermabrasion and dermaplaning, or chemically by using skin products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Both procedures aim to hasten the removal of the dead skin cells since desquamation or the natural process of shredding old and dry skin slows down as we age.
You can get exfoliating and skincare products from a REN sale. You can head over there to check these products' effect on your skin. But before doing so, you may want to check with your dermatologist about the best products to use on your skin. Oily skin, for example, demands a different formulation of exfoliants because it acts as a "glue" that holds the dead skin cells to the skin's surface. This then leads to the clogging of the follicles that make acne breakouts possible.
So why do you need to exfoliate, especially now that you're older (and hopefully, wiser)?
Slows Down the Aging Process
Your body can naturally shed old and dry skin. However, as you grow older, this process slows down. Studies show that it takes only 28 days for the skin to exfoliate in younger adults. Babies require half of that time. But for older adults, the process will take place sometime between 40 and 60 days. Within that time, your skin will be dry, rough, and dull—all of which contribute to the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation—making you look older than you really are. The solution? Exfoliation. Shredding old and dry skin will make your skin look and feel smoother and more radiant.
Stops Breakouts
Clogged pores trap the oil underneath the skin surface and lead to pimples and acne. But when you exfoliate, you unclog these pores and prevent the appearance of acne. If you're already in your 30s and 40s but you still feel like a teenager for all the active acne and pimples that appear on your face, maybe it's time to look at the benefits of exfoliating.
Freshens You Up
Exfoliating will help in the regeneration of new skin cells. This means that there will be newer cells on your skin's surface. That leaves you glowing and looking fresher. Aside from that, the rebirth of new skin cells will also even out your skin tone. If you're noticing that some areas of your face are darker or lighter, it means that your skin is not reproducing new cells.
Skincare Products Work Better
Your skincare products can penetrate your skin more effectively when it is free of dead skin cells. Therefore, exfoliating does not only produce smoother and more radiant skin, but it also makes your skin more susceptible to the effects of skincare products. The outer layer of the dead skin cells acts as a barrier, trapping oil within and preventing skincare products such as moisturizers from doing their job.
It is worth taking note, however, that excessive exfoliation can also damage the skin and cause more problems. Do not exfoliate heavily and frequently. One to two times each week is enough, except if you're using an all-day scrubbing solution. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on your skin because too much scrubbing could also damage the skin's surface.
