Skin exfoliation is the key to clean skin and a healthy and radiant look!
Whatever cream you use, your complexion is still uneven and your face without shine? Do you feel a rough structure on your face? Do you want to remove the "old" skin from your face and replace it with a new one? Want to start over with your skin care? As there is a solution for every problem, so we give you the answer that is the same for all your questions - exfoliation! It is an incredibly effective method that, simply put, renews and rejuvenates our skin. Exfoliation removes the dead cells of our skin and stimulates the creation of new ones, and in addition to removing excess skin by peeling, it becomes more pliable for further skin care and absorption of other skin-essential products.
What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation improves the quality and tone of the skin because it removes dead cells on the surface. To prove to you how important this removal of dead cells and cell renewal is, we will start with the fact that human skin produces about a million cells in 40 minutes, which means it produces about 36 million cells a day. As our cells regenerate, the old surface cells weaken and lose moisture and eventually separate from the skin to allow the new cells to reach the surface. This process is called peeling. Peeling eliminates both damaged and contaminated cells that contain microorganisms from the environment. Since they will not always fall off our skin, dead cells can lead to dry skin and cause clogging and inflammation of the skin. With adequate exfoliation, these cells are effectively removed, and new cells contribute to a fresh and healthy appearance. Mechanically, cells are removed with the help of granular products (natural and artificial), while chemical peels are based on AHA and BHA acids, glycolic, salicylic acid and the like, which dissolve dead cells. Regular exfoliation of the face and body achieves a more purified, even complexion, and the result is the prevention of ingrown hairs and the appearance of irregularities. In addition to giving the skin a nicer texture, exfoliation will stimulate the skin's blood circulation and metabolism under its surface, which will restore freshness and a youthful, healthy color to your complexion.
Types of exfoliants
- Mechanical peels
- Chemical peels
- Enzyme peels
We all already know that exfoliation, i.e. peeling, is one of the key steps for preserving beautiful skin that exudes health, freshness and natural radiance. Mechanical peels are the most popular because they are the easiest to use, but they only superficially remove dead skin cells and can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Apart from them, there are also chemical peels that act on the deeper layers of the skin. We also have enzymatic peels that are known for the most gentle ones.
In order to know how to choose correctly, you first need to get acquainted in more detail with the types of exfoliants, i.e. peels.
Mechanical peels
Mechanical peeling is a classic peeling that contains granules and removes the surface layer of the skin with abrasive particles. The size and texture of granules in mechanical peels can vary, so for those who like mild peels, there are peels with smaller and thinner granules, while those other peels that leave a slight redness on your skin immediately after treatment, remain reserved for those who like slightly rougher peels. No choice is necessarily wrong, as it depends solely on what you want to achieve and what type of scrub suits your skin. Also, if you prefer peels with larger and coarser granules, take care that you should not use such peels too often. Depending on the skin, once in 7 or 10 days is quite enough. You can use soft-textured peels a little more often, depending on the needs of your skin.
Whatever scrub you choose, don’t be rough on your skin. When using exfoliation, a gentle massage in circular motions is ideal. So, in order not to irritate your skin, be careful with the power of rubbing, and if you have sensitive skin, do not overdo the peeling.
Chemical peels
Unlike mechanical peeling, which removes dead skin layers with abrasive particles, chemical peeling stimulates cell peeling and the creation of new skin cells. Chemical peels are products that contain specific acids, which increase cell turnover and dissolve dead skin cells.
There are five types of acids that commonly occur in these exfoliants, and these are glycolic, salicylic, lactic, phytic and mandelic acid. Glycolic acid is the strongest because its molecules are very small, while all other acids have larger molecules which is why they need more time to do their job. However, this does not mean that other acids do not deserve a chance, because each of them also has its advantages. Salicylic acid-containing exfoliants almost always have a strength of two percent, which allows them to remove acne and soothe any type of inflammation on the skin. Lactic acid obtained from milk is also naturally produced in our body, more specifically in muscle tissue and has moisture retention properties. That is why it is an ideal choice for those with dry facial skin. Mandelic and phytic acid are the most gentle, so they are best suited for sensitive skin.
When we talk about chemical peels, the main word is held by well-known alpha-hydroxy acids (abbreviated AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (abbreviated BHA). Although we have several ways to exfoliate the skin, by far the most effective and most researched are AHA and BHA acids. The benefits of well-formulated AHA or BHA acids can be seen immediately after use or, at least, for a few days after use. Best of all, the skin will continue to recover over time with continuous use.
But what exactly is the difference between them? The primary difference between AHA and BHA acids is that AHA acids are water soluble, while BHA is fat soluble. This unique property of BHA acids allows them to break through the fat into the pores and exfoliate the skin cells that are inside the oil gland that can clog the pores. BHA acids are best used to treat problems caused by pimples, acne and blackheads, while AHA acids are best like it for dry, thickened and sun damaged skin, where acne breakouts are not a problem.
There are a number of advantages to using acids. Chemical exfoliants successfully treat oily skin, acne, enlarged pores, impurities, rough and uneven skin surface, uneven complexion, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, weakened tone and tired skin. BHA acid is ideal for dissolving sebum and opening and cleansing pores. BHA acid also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and reduces acne, acne and blackheads. Chemical peels can also be used to alleviate pigment irregularities on the rest of the body, not just on the face (e.g. on the back of the arms, back, shoulders...).
But it is very important to mention that AHA and BHA acids are not suitable for very thin skin, pregnant women, nursing mothers, chronic patients and people with herpes. They should also not be used for up to a week after waxing the area to be treated with acid, during dermatological treatments and sunbathing, and the skin around the eyes and areas of skin with permanent makeup, tattoos and moles during the use of AHA and BHA acids should be adequately protected.
Enzyme peels
Unlike AHA and BHA acids, enzymes are much gentler on the skin. Enzymatic peeling naturally accelerates the process of keratinization or cell renewal, which makes it the most gentle peeling you can use. Enzymatic peels could be called a mixture of mechanical and chemical because it contains proteins that cause a chemical reaction in the skin and in this case accelerate tissue regeneration and the synthesis of collagen and elastin that ensure firmness and elasticity. It can be used by people with all skin types, but it is especially recommended if your skin is sensitive. Enzymatic peeling gently and effectively removes impurities and dead skin cells, and its mild action also reduces wrinkles and skin elasticity. Enzymatic peeling usually comes as a microexfoliator, i.e. a powder that is mixed with water and applied with a brush.
Enzyme products can be used for regular exfoliation of all skin types and for problems such as: blackheads, acne, clogged pores, ingrown hairs, dehydrated skin regardless of skin type and hyperpigmentation.
PROPER SELECTION OF PEELING WITH REGARD TO THE TYPE AND CONDITION OF THE SKIN
Now that we have learned to distinguish the types of peels that we divide into mechanical, chemical and enzymatic, the next important step is to choose the right peel according to your skin type and the condition your skin is currently in.
DRY SKIN - YOUR SKIN NEEDS PEELING TOO!
If your skin is dry, avoid products with a high alcohol content. Exfoliating with ingredients that moisturize the skin, such as coconut oil, shea butter or ceramides, will suit you. Also, if you have dry skin, exfoliation is enough once a week. Lactic acid and preparations with enzymes, which will help your skin to shine with full radiance, have proven to be especially good.
OILY SKIN - EXFOLIATION AGAINST OILY SKIN!
Oily skin is characterized by a higher degree of tolerance, so exfoliation can be performed up to five times a week, depending on the product. It is best to look for peels that contain AHA and BHA acids, but even if your skin is not sensitive, you should be careful not to overdo the peeling and to provide rich hydration to the skin after exfoliation. Excessive exfoliation on oily skin can cause irritation and redness, and in response to the body's dehydration, additional fat secretion can be stimulated, which would mean that excessive exfoliation did not solve your problem, but you got a new one.
NORMAL SKIN - IF YOU HAVE THIS SKIN TYPE, DO NOT EXCESS WITH PEELING!
If you have been lucky enough to have normal skin type, we recommend that you look for enzymatic peels or gentle mandelic and phytic acids, which will provide your skin with just as much cell renewal as your skin needs. For normal skin, exfoliation is enough two or three times a week, but be careful not to overdo it because you could do more harm than good to your skin.
MIXED SKIN - EXFOLIATION IS NOT ALWAYS NEEDED BY THE WHOLE FACE!
If your skin is mixed, or a combination of oily T-zone and dry to normal cheeks, exfoliation is mostly reserved for the T-zone. Accordingly, the choice of the type of peeling will be combined, so the use of AHA and BHA acids is recommended for the T-zone, while for the rest of the face it is desirable to use enzymatic peels. However, take into account the diversity of your skin and if some part does not require skin renewal, ignore it when exfoliating. Regardless of the combination of skin type and exfoliation, what is for combination skin when exfoliating is also the hydration that you put on the whole face.
ACNE-PROPOSED SKIN - YOUR SKIN AND EXFOLIATION ARE LOVED!
Acne-prone skin produces up to five times more dead cells than healthy skin, which means that a suitable exfoliation is excellent for such skin and that it is an ideal and right choice for acne-prone skin. If your skin is prone to acne, we recommend that you avoid mechanical exfoliation, which can worsen inflammation, and use chemical facial exfoliation instead. AHA and BHA acids, which are chemical exfoliants, are effective because they help remove dead cells, preventing clogging of the follicles that otherwise lead to inflammation and acne. Of course, after the exfoliation procedure, always hydrate the skin to restore the moisture it has lost.
SENSITIVE SKIN - FOR YOUR SKIN THERE IS A GENTLE MICROEXFOLIANT!
If you have sensitive skin, exfoliation is recommended less often, with peels with softer micrograins based on essential oils that will not damage your epidermis and thus cause even greater sensitivity. In particular, if your skin is very sensitive, you should choose enzymatic peels for exfoliation and avoid mechanical ones.
DEHYDRATED SKIN - MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOUR SKIN TO ABSORB HYDRATING INGREDIENTS!
Lack of moisture in the skin causes small cracks in the cell barrier, which then makes the skin taut and stretched, but the old cells do not fall off, but create skin that is dull and uneven in tone. Exfoliation effectively removes dead cells, and moisturizing ingredients can penetrate deeper into dehydrated skin thanks to exfoliation. If your skin is dehydrated, reach for enzymatic peels, which will gently provide your skin with exactly what it needs with its proteins, and for peels with lactic acid, which has the property you need to retain moisture.
MATURE SKIN - EXFOLIATION IN THE FIGHT FOR ELASTIC SKIN WITHOUT WRINKLES!
When we are younger, our cells renew every 12 to 19 days, but as we age, this process slows down, so the natural peeling of old cells becomes an even more demanding process, causing thickened skin with an uneven tone and no shine. On average, cell renewal in middle age takes 28 to 35 days, and in mature years about 90 days! It is this slow cell renewal that makes exfoliation especially effective in prematurely aged and mature skin, because it stimulates cell renewal faster than the body alone can. AHA acids will help your skin fight wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, and the use of enzymatic peels will stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin and ensure the firmness and elasticity of your mature skin.
5 REASONS TO INTRODUCE EXFOLIATION IN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE:
1. YOUR SKIN WILL BE SOFT!
The skin from which the dead cells have been removed is soft and silky to the touch because the exfoliation improves its texture and makes it velvety. This will remove layers of dead skin, and their place will be taken by completely new cells that will make you look fresher.
2. THE SIGNS OF AGING WILL BE DELETED FROM YOUR SKIN!
Exfoliation provides a youthful appearance as dead cells further accentuate all lines, blemishes and irregularities. Therefore, when you get rid of them, you also get rid of the signs of aging. The skin naturally releases these cells on its own, but as we age it makes it slower. Exfoliating products are great for slowing down this natural process and covering up its symptoms.
3. YOU WILL REDUCE THE SPOTS ON YOUR SKIN!
Hyperpigmentation is an increase in pigment in the skin. It can be caused by an increase in melanin in melanocytes or formed from substances that produce color by forming deposits on the skin. Exfoliation helps to remove pigmented dead skin cells faster, so the ingredients penetrate more effectively and treat hyperpigmentation.
4. YOU WILL HAVE A PERFECT TANNING!
Another advantage of this beauty step is that it evens out the complexion and makes it radiant. Exfoliation improves the quality and tone of the skin because it removes dead cells on the surface. One of the great things that exfoliation gives us is opening and cleaning pores, which is the best prevention of problematic facial skin.
5. YOU WILL GIVE OTHER PRODUCTS FROM YOUR CARE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK MORE EFFICIENTLY AND STRONGER!
After getting rid of dead skin cells with the help of exfoliation, use facial cleansing and skin care products, which will have an even stronger effect after this step. If you skip the exfoliation, you will prevent these preparations from passing through the surface layer of the skin and give your face everything they can.
"CAN I OVERWHELM WITH PEELING?"
Yes, too frequent exfoliation damages the skin!
After a good peeling, the skin looks great, is smoother, firmer and fresher, and absorbs the active ingredients better. But don’t fall for the trick and start overdoing it with exfoliation so as not to bring a new one to your skin instead of solving the problem. Excessive exfoliation causes inflammatory reactions and disrupts the skin's protective barrier, leading to increased skin sensitivity, irritation, redness and accelerated aging.
The following are signs of exfoliation:
- visible skin dehydration
- peeling skin
- skin tension
- redness and itching of the skin
- increased skin sensitivity
- acne and irritation
If you notice the negative consequences of exfoliation, start using a soothing product and moisturizer with SPF protection factor to care for your skin. Protecting the skin from UV radiation is mandatory, not only as a remedy for exfoliation with exfoliation, but as a daily protection!
Apply exfoliation wisely and ensure a healthy and radiant skin look! P.S. after peeling, don't forget moisturizer and cream with a protective factor :)
La PIEL products that can help you exfoliate your skin:
