Brings the aging skin back to radiance
Has your skin become dull, flaky or uneven lately? It could be related to environmental changes, allergies, sun damage, or even stress - or it could just be because you're getting older. (Don't worry, it happens to everyone.) Luckily, there's something you can do about it: Exfoliate!
As we age, we lose our "youthful glow" because our natural cell turnover process slows down. "This causes dead skin cells to cling to the surface of the skin longer," says Annet King, Director of Global Education at Dermalogica and The International Dermal Institute. "Exfoliation helps bring our inner glow back to the surface by removing all the dry, dull buildup and revealing the soft, smooth skin underneath."
Exfoliation also helps targeted treatments and moisturizers better penetrate the skin, reduces congestion caused by breakouts, smooths rough, callused areas and helps prevent ingrown hairs.
"It's really one of the best things you can do for your skin," King says.
Choosing the right exfoliant
There are many types of exfoliants, but the most common are for home use and for professional use.
Exfoliants for home use (e.g. scrubs, pads and brushes) are usually relatively mild, inexpensive, quick and easy to use. Most of them, such as Daily Microfoliant® and MultiVitamin Thermafoliant™, use small particles to remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Leave-on treatments likeDaily Resurfacer smooth the skin with hydroxy acids and enzymes that dissolve and digest dead skin cells.
Professional peels, such as Dermalogica BioActive™ Peel, typically remove dead skin cells with highly effective topical formulations of acids and enzymes. These peels usually provide better results after a series of treatments.
Which method is best for you depends on your skin condition and concerns, as well as personal preference, time and money. In general, the more sensitive your skin, the less friction and frequency you should use.
To find your ideal exfoliation method, get a personalized prescription from a Dermalogica skin therapist or compare our peels.
quick tips
AvoidAbrasive Exfoliators
Avoid exfoliators that contain sugar, salt or nuts as they can tear and irritate the skin. Instead, look for scrubs that contain jojoba, corncobs, rice bran or microbeads. These are gentle enough for dry, aging, sensitized, or genetically sensitive skin. (If you have oily skin, you should choose an oil-absorbing scrub made from clay like kaolin or diatomaceous earth.)
Exfoliate inthe morning
If you exfoliate at home, it's best to do so before applying moisturizer, anti-aging treatments, sunscreen or makeup. (Tip: Exfoliating can also help makeup last longer.) "Products applied to the skin immediately after exfoliation can work more efficiently because the skin has been cleared of all cellular debris," King says.
Everything in Bulk
When it comes to exfoliation, more is not better. Over-exfoliating can lead to dehydration of the skin and make it more susceptible to sensitization, irritation, accelerated aging and UV damage. Most people only need to exfoliate their skin a few times a week. If you prefer to exfoliate your skin more often, use a mild exfoliator that is suitable for daily use.