Cross-section of all skin layers.
Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead
skin cells on the skin's outermost surface, and has been used for many years to help maintain healthy skin. Exfoliation is involved in the process of all
facials, during
microdermabrasion or
chemical peels at medical spas. Exfoliation can be achieved through mechanical or chemical means.
[1]
History[edit]
Credit is given to the ancient
Egyptians for the practice of exfoliation.
[2] In the
Middle Ages,
wine was used as a chemical exfoliant, with
tartaric acid as the active agent.
[2] In
Asia, the practice of exfoliation started hundreds of years ago.
[3] The etymology of the word exfoliate comes from the Latin exfoliare (to strip off leaves).
[4]
Importance[edit]
New skin cells are created in the skin's lower layer, the
dermis. Over time, cells migrate to the surface of the skin and become more
acidic. During their 30-day journey, they die and become saturated with
keratin. Keratin is important because it protects the skin from outside elements. Through the
ageing process, and after
menopause for women, the natural process of skin erosion becomes uneven, which gives skin a dry and rough character. Exfoliation removes the outer layer to reveal the newer skin beneath. This shedding of the outer layer unclogs pores, keeps skin clean, and helps reduce acne outbreaks. Exfoliation should always be done after cleansing the skin.
[citation needed] Exfoliation is important for men as it exposes the hair follicles, allowing a better shave. It is possible to over exfoliate, which dries and irritates the skin. The face is the part of the body most sensitive to exfoliation.
[5] Hence, provided that exfoliating causes the skin to dry out, it is very important to moisturize it, because dry skin can lead to
wrinkledevelopment
[citation needed].
Exfoliation is achieved through either mechanical or chemical means.
Mechanical[edit]
Exfoliation methods used in Canada in 2011. Shown: top right, a bath sponge made of plastic mesh; lower right, a brush with a
pumice stone on one side and a natural bristle brush on the other side, for foot exfoliation; lower left, a mud mask package for facial exfoliation; top left, a jar of perfumed body scrub to be used while bathing.
This process involves physically scrubbing the skin with an
abrasive.
[5] Mechanical exfoliants include
microfiber cloths, adhesive exfoliation sheets, micro-bead facial scrubs, crepe paper, crushed
apricot kernel or
almond shells,
sugar or
salt crystals,
pumice, and abrasive materials such as
sponges,
loofahs,
brushes, and simply fingernails.
[6][7] Facial scrubs are available in
over-the-counter products for application by the user. People with dry skin should avoid exfoliants which include a significant portion of
pumice, or crushed volcanic rock. Pumice is considered a good material to exfoliate the skin of the feet.
[8][dead link] Microdermabrasion is another mechanical method of exfoliation.
Chemical[edit]
Chemical exfoliants include scrubs containing
salicylic acid,
glycolic acid,
fruit enzymes,
citric acid, or
malic acid which may be applied in high concentrations by a medical professional, or in lower concentrations in over-the-counter products. Chemical exfoliation may involve the use of products that contain
alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs),
beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or enzymes that act to loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to ease away.
[5] This type of exfoliation is recommended for people treating
acne.
[9] In beauty spa treatment on continental Europe, the chemical properties of wine producing grapes are exploited in the practice of
vinotherapy which is becoming increasingly popular.
[citation needed]
With hair removal[edit]
- Waxing is a mechanical process which is done with the intention of plucking the hair, which also functions as a mechanical exfoliant. As this is done every two to eight weeks, it is not performed as frequently as many exfoliate, so it does not fully substitute for a regimen, but may substitute for a normal session in a regimen.
- Nair is an example of a chemical hair removal product which also functions as a chemical exfoliant. It is done more frequently than waxing (once a week rather than once a month) since it only destroys hair partially below the skin, rather than destroying the entire root as with waxing. Using it weekly can substitute for a weekly exfoliant regime. It is a very aggressive chemical and cannot be used on the face so other exfoliants would need to be used on the face.
- Wetshaving also has exfoliating properties; first, the action of moving a shaving brush vigorously across the face washes the face and removes dead skin at the same time. After applying the lather with a brush, the use of a double-edged safety razor or straight razor removes dead skin simply by the fact that the aforementioned razors are dragged much closer across the skin and remove dead skin more effectively than a cartridge or electric razor.
Promotion[edit]
In popular media, exfoliants are advertised as treatments which promote beauty, youthful appearance, or health.
[6]
Disadvantages[edit]
One disadvantage to exfoliation is the high price of some of the products and methods used to achieve it. Exfoliation will lead to some initial redness to the skin. Near the end of chemical peels, the skin will frost, with colors varying from a bright white to grey on the skin surface.
[2]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
