After months of enduring dry air and chilly temperatures, the land isn’t the only thing that needs some much-needed renewal this spring. We’re talking about your skin. Your face may have kept its radiant glow, but some of us are guilty of neglecting the rest of our body. A crime—really—considering we naturally shed between 30,000 to 40,000 skin cells every hour that, when left unaddressed, build up on the skin’s surface and can lead to ingrown hairs and acne. But not to worry—that’s what exfoliation is for.
“Proper exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, uncovering fresh new skin and improving skin tone. It allows for products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively and also serves to unclog pores,” says board-certified dermatologist Rhonda Klein, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.D.
New York dermatologist Bobby Buka, M.D., contributing founder and chief science officer of First Aid Beauty, seconds this, adding, “The other thing about exfoliation is that it improves circulation, which, in addition to the overall health benefits, improves the skin’s elasticity and helps alleviate signs of scars and cuts.”
Types of Exfoliators
Exfoliators are classified as either chemical or physical and depending on your skin type, both can be incorporated into your beauty regimen. “Chemical exfoliants are good for most skin types as they work to dissolve dead skin cells rather than using grains or particles. Non-abrasive exfoliators often tend to hydrate the skin as well,” explains skin care expert and spa industry professional Julie Pankey. Read more
