Did you know that you are a new person every month? Your skin cells can live up to three weeks maximum, and your body regenerates skin cells every 28 days. Your body removes between 30 to 40 thousand old skin cells per day. The skin you are seeing on you now will not be the same after a month. Likewise, the top layers of your skin are composed of dead skin cells. When left on the skin, the layer of dead cells will make your skin look unhealthy, dry, and flaky. Fortunately, you can remove these layers of dead skin cells through the process of exfoliation.
Why Do You Need it?
Exfoliation is the removal of dead cells from your skin’s surface using chemical or mechanical methods. When you exfoliate, you are revealing the layers of new skin cells, making you look younger. Likewise, exfoliation can make your skin look brighter, and it improves how your skin can absorb topical skincare products. Moreover, when you exfoliate regularly, you reduce the chances of having your pores get clogged by the remnants of dead cells and thus prevent the breakout of acne and pimples. Regular exfoliation may also increase collagen production, which increases skin elasticity and reduces the formation of wrinkles.
However, there is a multitude of products for exfoliation. Choosing the right one for your skin can be challenging. Here are some tips on how to choose the best exfoliant for you.
Based on Your Skin Type.
You should consider choosing an exfoliant that will be suitable for your type of skin. Chemical exfoliants may be too strong for sensitive skin. FIt is the best bet for dry and sensitive skin to choose an exfoliation product with less harsh ingredients such as salicylic acid or mandelic acid. If you have oily skin, it is best to choose a product with more concentrated ingredients such as Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). Exfoliants with BHAs are best used for people who have oily or acne-prone skin.
Dry and Sensitive Skin.
Exfoliation products with BHAs create a soothing and calming effect on the skin. These products are ideal for people who have sensitive skin. Likewise, Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHAs) will also work for sensitive skin. PHA molecules are larger, so they will not get into the pores of the skin. PHAs are ideal ingredients for people that are prone to eczema and rosacea.
Acne-Prone Skin.
People with acne-prone skin should use products with BHAs such as salicylic acid. BHAs are compounds that are great for removing dirt and foreign matter in skin pores and thus preventing breakouts.
Mature Skin.
Mature people should use products with AHAs because these compounds help reduce the formation of wrinkles. Likewise, AHAs smoothens rough skin to make it appear glowing and healthy.
Sun-Damaged Skin.
If you are always exposed to the sun, your best choice of exfoliation product must contain a combination of glycolic and lactic acids. This combination of AHAs will create an even skin texture while reducing the pigmentation of the skin.
Once you have chosen an exfoliant that is right for your skin, you should stick to it. However, you should also use a moisturiser and a sun protection product. When choosing an exfoliant, it is best first to apply a low concentration on your skin to test it out. If your skin reacts well with it, increase the exfoliation frequency until you achieve your desired result.
