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Skincare is an art unto itself. Having a smooth, flawless and healthy skin is not just important for the aesthetics, but skin also is your body’s first line of defense against pathogens. A cracked and broken skin also thus makes you vulnerable to infections and multiple problems.
In order to have a healthy skin, few skincare principles should be abided by, always. Other than cleansing and moisturizing, exfoliation is also a key step.
What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the act of removing the dead cells from the skin. As skin rejuvenates, it sheds of the dead skin cells. However, this shedding off process can be incomplete. The dead skin then forms a layer, making the complexion dull and also leads to patchy skin.
Moreover, dead cells can also clog the pores, leading to breakouts, and even aggravates the symptoms of acne, requiring an intervention from the best dermatologist in Karachi then.
Exfoliation can hence be thought of as lending the natural process a hand as it ensures that the dead skin cells’ layer is removed properly.
Benefits of exfoliation
Other than improving the texture of the skin, exfoliation is also beneficial for an enhanced appearance of the skin. When the dead cells are removed, skin is ridden of the dullness. Moreover, your expensive treatments and potions become more effective, also contributing to the skin looking radiant.
Regular exfoliation is also helpful in improving the collagen turnover in the skin. Collagen plays a key role in keeping skin taut and thus keeps the signs of aging at bay. It also aids in keeping the skin glowing and vibrant.
Types of exfoliants
There are many types of exfoliants.Physical exfoliants are those that aim for removal of the dead cells through physical action, causing rubbing or sloughing away of the dead skin. There are many types of physical exfoliants, including the loofahs or shower brushes that are so commonly used.
Moreover, scrubs also fall under this category. They are the most popular choice, as they are available as not just commercial items, but many DIY recipes are also available that can be conveniently made from the ingredients found in your kitchen cabinet.
Another type are the chemical exfoliants. They work up chemically dissolving the cells and therefore removing the dead skin cell layer. Most of the times, acids and enzymes are used for exfoliation and removing the impurities on the skin.
Best face exfoliants
Facial skin is more sensitive. Physical exfoliation is rather harsh for the skin and can abrade it. Consequently, tearing of the skin can occur. It can also lead to irritation, redness and dryness. It is therefore important then to opt instead for chemical exfoliants for face.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAis a constituent of the water-soluble acids. It works at removing the dead skin cells, more evenly. Hence, it improves the complexion, making it uniform. AHAs has added benefits for the skin as well.
Alpha hydroxy acid is good for reducing hyperpigmentation. It also reduces the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It also is helpful in dealing with enlarged pores. Moreover, AHA also helps in reducing texture on the skin, and thus leads to even and smooth skin.
Examples include lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acids etc.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
BHAs are fat soluble acids. They are not just good exfoliants, but also aid in decreasing inflammation, de-clogging the pores, improving the appearances of the skin and also evening out complexion.
Salicylic acid is the most common type of BHA.
Best body exfoliants
Physical scrubs are also effective. The skin of the body is thicker and thus can respond better to physical exfoliants. Moreover, physical exfoliants are more convenient to do when is the case for the entire body. Shower and scrub at the same time by slathering up shower gel onto the loofah.
Granular substances are most often used for the body scrubs. These include brown or even white sugar, ground coffee, oatmeal and ground sea salt. When mixed with nourishing oils like almond or jojoba oil, and some antioxidants from citrus fruits or green tea, the exfoliation concoction also get skin the much needed care!
Word of caution
Chemical exfoliants can sting a little or can lead to sensitivity in the sunlight. For sensitive skin, chemical exfoliation can also be a little harsh. Moreover, when overdone, exfoliation can negatively impact the skin.
Hence, be mindful of how you go about the task of exfoliation. Confer with the best dermatologist in Lahore over the choice and frequency of exfoliation.
