Exfoliating Products Can Retain Your Youthful Look
Who wants to look young and energetic? Everybody likes to hold the same youthful look they have in the younger days of life. As the time goes by our skin cells die and they get replaced by new skin cells. But as we grow older, we tend to lose that younger and glowing look of the skin and wrinkles start to appear. Exfoliation products help to retain the youthful skin because the process removes dead skin cells from the outer surface while giving way for the new skin to regenerate. Exfoliation products can be used as facial packs or while doing microdermabrasion. Chemical peels are also a very common category of exfoliating products.
Why we Need Exfoliating Products
New skin cells are generated in the lower part of the skin. A substance named keratin protects that new skin from external harmful elements. The skin cell starts its journey towards the outer layer of skin and after about 30 days it becomes acidic and saturated with keratin. That results in dead skin. With the ageing process and especially after menopause, the inbuilt process of skin erosion, in case of women, becomes uneven. And as a result of that, the skin becomes dry and rough. The exfoliation products remove the outer layer of the skin and help the newer skin to regenerate with ease.
Although not very common, facial exfoliators are used by men as well. It helps to get a better shave by exposing hair follicles. However, exfoliation products can make your skin dry which may lead to irritation. And improper use of exfoliating products may also cause the development of wrinkles. Hence, it is better to moisturize your skin after the use of exfoliants.
Types of Exfoliation Products
There are two common processes in which the exfoliating products are used. They are known as mechanical and chemical.
In the mechanical process the skin is scrubbed physically by an abrasive. Mechanical exfoliation products refers to adhesive exfoliation sheets, crepe paper, microfiber cloths, crushed shells of apricot kernel or almond, micro-bead facial scrubs, salt or sugar crystals. Abrasive materials may also include brushes, sponges and even fingernails. Pumice rock or crushed volcano rocks are used as exfoliating products for feet. Those who have dry skin must avoid this as facial exfoliators.
Chemical exfoliating products generally contain acids like glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, and salicylic acid or fruit enzymes. These acids can be used in their highly concentrated form by any professional medical practitioner or you can buy the products from any shop but only in lower concentrated forms. The chemical exfoliation products contain Beta Hydroxy Acids or Alpha Hydroxy Acids or enzymes that will help to loosen the skin.
Common Exfoliation Products
Here are some most common exfoliating products available in the market today.
- St. Ives Apricot Scrub
- Mint Julep Face Mask
- Noxzema
- Nutrogena Scrubs
- Garnier Pure Scrub
You can use sugar mixed with water or salt mixed with water as a homemade exfoliation solution.
After the exfoliating process, make sure to use a moisturizer. You can go with a moisturizer of your choice. Some popular examples are Nivea, Johnson's and Dove.
Some important cleansing tips
Washing your face with soap and water is not enough for getting a smooth and youthful skin. A cleanser does help the skin in removing surface grime and any kind of cosmetics, but it does not remove dead skin cells. The use of facial exfoliators on few days a week helps you to maintain a healthy skin. Facial exfoliators not only scrub your face but also give you a deep relaxing feeling. It removes extra oil and dirt from your face.
But while using exfoliators one thing is a must, know about your skin type and then only go for the products that suit your skin. They are available for all typs of skin, whether it is dry, oily, normal or sensitive.
Some important things you must keep in mind while using exfoliators:
- when using facial exfoliators make sure to keep them away from your eyes
- Use of exfoliating products may result in skin irritation if have extra sensitive skin. Try them in a small part of your skin before you completely apply it.
- Use of exfoliation products may lead to itchiness of skin. But this feeling can be temporary, lasts only for a day or two.
- If you get an imitation because of the use of a commercial product, immediately stop using the product and consult your cosmetologist or your dermatologist.
