Skin Exfoliation: The 5 Things You Need To Know

Exfoliating is simply the removal of the dead skin cells to reveal the younger, healthier skin just below the surface. As we grow older, skin exfoliation becomes more important for a healthy-looking complexion because our body’s ability to turn skin cells slows down. Looking to get started? Here are the five things everyone should know about skin exfoliation.

Physical vs. Chemical

Not all exfoliation types are the same, but they can all be categorized into mechanical or chemical exfoliation. Here’s the difference:

Physical Exfoliation: This involves physically scrubbing your skin with abrasive substances like exfoliating scrubs, brushes, or sponges. While it can be effective, it’s crucial to use gentle products to avoid damaging your skin.

Chemical Exfoliation: This method uses acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells. Common chemical exfoliants include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and fruit enzymes. These are often considered gentler and more effective for achieving even, long-lasting results.

Here are a few of our team’s favorite exfoliation products:

  • Exfoliating Polish by ZO Skin Health
  • AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads by SkinBetter Science
  • Dual Action Scrub by ZO Skin Health
More Isn’t Always Better
Exfoliation has many benefits. While many exfoliation types can bring instant gratification, staying focused is essential. Many times, you may not even realize you are using a chemical exfoliant on your skin and could be doubling up on accident.Let’s say you use a facial cleanser with AHA every morning, 7 days a week. In addition to this, you are using a product with Retin-A every night. This is now 14 times per week that you are exfoliating your skin! It is important to keep track of your exfoliating products and find what works for you.Start slow and less frequently and increase as your skin tolerates it. We recommend having a full skincare consult to see what exfoliants will work best for your skin type and concerns.
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Use SPF Daily

Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your newly revealed skin. Why? After exfoliating, your skin is more sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays. You are more susceptible to sunburn and damage when exfoliating and revealing a newer, more delicate skin layer. Using SPF can also protect this new skin layer from hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening of patches of skin.

The other perks? Daily use of SPF promotes collagen production, protects against premature aging, reduces inflammation or irritation to the skin, and promotes long-term skin health by maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. You will be on your way to luminous, glowing skin in no time.

Incorporate Medical Spa Treatments

Professional-grade medical spa treatments exfoliate the skin at a much deeper, more precisely controlled level. Professional exfoliation not only results in a brighter, more radiant complexion but it also offers lasting improvement to skin tone and texture by fading freckles and sun spots, softening fine lines and wrinkles and reducing acne outbreaks. Popular medical-grade exfoliating treatments include:

  • Chemical Peels
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing
  • DiamondGlow Facial

The best way to determine the right treatment is to set up a consultation to go over your unique skin concerns and goals.

Who can benefit from exfoliation?

Exfoliation is a vital part of a comprehensive skincare routine, and almost everyone can benefit from it. Here are a few key skin concerns where exfoliation can be beneficial:

  • Dull, tired looking skin
  • Acne-Prone skin
  • Rough or uneven skin texture
  • Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
  • Enlarged pores and oily skin

While some individuals may hit one or more of the skin concerns above, it is also important to consider certain skin conditions where exfoliation could worsen skin. This includes:

  • Rosacea
  • Compromised skin, such as a rash or wound
  • Sunburnt skin
Exfoliation is a powerful tool in your skincare arsenal, but it’s important to use it wisely. By understanding the different types of exfoliation, knowing how often to exfoliate, choosing the right products, and protecting your skin from the sun, you can enjoy a radiant, healthy complexion. Happy exfoliating!