When you exfoliate your skin, you’re basically clearing out the dead skin cells off the top layer of your skin. While our skin naturally exfoliates itself when we are younger, the process slows down (like everything else) as we age.
Think of exfoliation as sweeping the dust off a surface – leaving our dead skin cells there will make our skin look duller and rougher.
Exfoliation is actually suitable for all skin types, even if you have dry or sensitive skin. You just need to make sure that the way you’re exfoliating is healthy for your skin. One of the safest ways of exfoliating is using a product that contains papaya enzyme, a natural ingredient that gently digests the dead cells. If your skin is on the dryer side you can also use a light glycolic serum that will stimulate cell regeneration. For oilier skin types that are not sensitive a salicylic acid might be a good option for twice-a-week exfoliation. Salicylic acid dissolves the dead cells faster than enzyme digestion and prevents pores from becoming clogged and developing acne breakouts. As there are many more ways of exfoliation you should always consult with your esthetician on choosing a proper exfoliant that will work best for your skin.
Also, it is very important not to over-exfoliate the skin, which could lead to irritation and can bring more damage to the skin then benefits.
The Key Words to Exfoliation are:
Exfoliate gently, use hydration and sun protection afterward.