You may have an existing skincare regimen that covers all the bases—cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and using sunscreen. However, if you’re not exfoliating on a regular basis, your skin may not be as healthy or radiant as it could be.
But what exactly is exfoliation, and why is it vital to achieving optimal skin health?
Improve the appearance and texture of your skin through exfoliation
Exfoliation refers to the removal of the old, dead skin cells that can be found on the epidermis, or the outermost layer of the skin. While our skin normally sheds the dead skin cells found on the epidermis, the process can be disrupted, which can lead to dry and dull-looking complexions. The layer of dead skin can also interfere with the secretion of oil from the pores, leading to acne and blemishes.
Regular exfoliation is a must as we get older, as the process of cell regeneration slows down with the advancing years. When done properly, exfoliation will remove the barrier of dead skin cells clogging the epidermis, uncovering the fresh new skin cells below it.
Main benefits of exfoliating your skin regularly
- A healthier and more radiant complexion
Dead skin cells look dry and lacklustre, giving you a dull complexion and an aged appearance. By exfoliating regularly, the old skin cells will be sloughed off, revealing the new skin cells hiding underneath. These new skin cells will give you a more radiant and youthful complexion.
- Improved skin texture and minimized pores
Dead skin cells clogging the surface of your skin will give you a rough and uneven skin texture. Regular exfoliation will transform your complexion from rough and dull to soft and even-textured.
Exfoliation will also minimize your pores. Pores expand when there is a build-up of dirt and dead skin inside of them, making them look bigger. By removing the dirt and dead skin lodged deep inside your pores, they will appear smaller and less noticeable. You’re also less likely to experience acne and breakouts.
- Improved absorption of other skincare products
As you may have guessed, a topical layer of dead skin cells will prevent your skincare products from penetrating the deeper layers of your skin. By removing the outermost layer of dead skin, your skincare products will be able to penetrate your skin more deeply and do a better job.
What are the main exfoliation techniques?
There are three main exfoliation techniques: physical, chemical, and natural. Each has its pros and cons, and some techniques may be more suitable for certain skin types and skin conditions than others.
Physical exfoliants
These exfoliants rely on physical action to exfoliate the skin. Skincare brushes, exfoliating scrubs, and exfoliating towelettes are just some of the most widely used physical exfoliants. While many do a fairly good job of exfoliating the skin, applying too much pressure when using physical exfoliants can seriously damage your skin barrier.
A weakened or compromised skin barrier is more easily irritated and inflamed, and is also more prone to breakouts and other skin conditions. Hence, it’s best to approach physical exfoliants with caution, as the wrong products or exfoliating techniques could seriously harm your skin. People with more sensitive skin should also avoid physical exfoliants.
Chemical exfoliants
These types of exfoliants can be found in certain skincare products and can aid the skin in its cell turnover. The two main categories of chemical exfoliants are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
AHAs are renowned for their ability to rebuild the skin by stimulating elastin and collagen production. They’re also known to improve the appearance of sun damaged skin and assist the skin in its cell turnover. Some types of AHAs can be derived from fruits and other natural sources, while others can be produced synthetically in laboratories.
Despite their benefits, there is a danger to using strong chemical exfoliants, such as deep chemical peels. Using harsh chemical exfoliants too frequently or incorrectly could also lead to changes in the skin’s pigmentation, burns, and scarring.
Natural exfoliants
As the name suggests, natural exfoliants are derived from natural sources, such as fruit acids and honey. Fruit acids derived from grapes, apples, oranges, lemons, and sugar cane are naturally rich in AHAs. Moreover, unlike glycolic acid and salicylic acid, natural exfoliants are great for sensitive skin.
To gently and effectively exfoliate your skin, use skincare products that contain natural exfoliants.
Wildleaf’s Vitamin C Serum and Hibiscus Face Cream are rich in naturally-derived AHAs. Both products can be safely used each day, and regular application will give you radiant, soft, and blemish-free skin. The reconstructive AHAs also stimulate elastin and collagen production, giving you a more youthful complexion.
To enjoy the benefits found in both products, consider purchasing The Brightening Duo.
If you’re interested in a more comprehensive skincare routine that focuses on minimizing the appearance of pores, acne scar marks, and pigmentation, while fighting the signs of ageing, then The Brightening Care Set is for you. Aside from including the Vitamin C Serum and Hibiscus Face Cream, The Brightening Care Set also includes the Aloe Herb Face Wash and Alcohol-Free Toning Mist, giving you a step-by-step process to achieving optimal skin health.
By using skincare products with naturally-derived exfoliants, you’ll enjoy the benefits of exfoliated skin without exposing your skin to harsh chemicals and potential skin issues.
Want to learn more about Wildleaf? Discover our entire skincare line by visiting our online store. To find out what our customers think of our products, click on #wildleafstory.
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