Benefits of Exfoliating for Younger Clearer Skin

Washing the face is a definite must in your skincare regimen, but is exfoliating? I think I started using exfoliants somewhere in my twenties. Many may believe that it is not as important when you are younger and that it is only for aging skin. In actuality, it can be beneficial to even start in your teen years when acne is an issue. Regardless, exfoliating can have many benefits for your skin.

What is Exfoliating?

The skin naturally sheds every 30 days or so to allow room for new cells to regenerate. The exfoliating process aids in ridding dead skin cells that do not shed completely that may lead to clogged pores, dull, dry, and flaky skin.

Types of Exfoliants

Chemical exfoliants - Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s), beta hydroxy acids (BHA’s), and enzymes are chemicals that are commonly used to exfoliate. They all similarly work by dissolving the protein that keeps the dead skin cells attached, allowing it to break away. Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic acid are what often used in skincare products. AHA’s exfoliate by working on the surface of the skin to address texture and roughness. Beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid penetrate deeper into the skin to combat against build-up and clogged pores. Enzymes, usually from pineapple, papaya, or pumpkin extract, are the most gentle out the chemical exfoliants allowing those with sensitivity to exfoliate.

Physical exfoliants - These types of exfoliants use granules such as pumice, crystals, jojoba beads, seeds, or crushed nutshells to remove dead skin cells. Rubbing the particles against your skin will buff away the dead upper layers.

Exfoliating tools - Among this category is anything from exfoliating mitts, face brushes, to loofahs. For deeper exfoliation, an electric cleansing brush will slough away and dead skin cells and deep clean the pores.

Benefits of Exfoliating

Improves skin texture - One benefit of exfoliating is that it improves the texture of the skin. Dead skin cells are removed, revealing smoother, softer skin.

Improves acne breakouts - During the exfoliating process, it removes excess oil, dirt, and impurities from the pores preventing blockage to reduce acne breakouts.

Anti-aging - As you age, the natural shedding process slows down, and dead skin accumulates, resulting in a dull-looking complexion. Exfoliating helps to speed cellular turnover for a healthy glow.

Improves absorption of skincare products - When you have a build-up of dead skin on your face, it makes it difficult for moisturizers or treatment products to penetrate the skin. Exfoliating helps your skin to absorb better any products applied for improved effectiveness.

How Often to Exfoliate?

With all the benefits, you might want to exfoliate every day, but sometimes over-exfoliating can cause irritation and redness. Your skin type and sensitivity level is the determining factor as to how often you exfoliate. As long as your skin can tolerate it, it is fine to exfoliate daily. Those with sensitive skin will probably see better results with exfoliating only two to three times a week.