EXFOLIATION AND ANTI-AGING
Aug 15 '05
The Bottom Line Exfoliation is important in our fight against aging skin.
Since I am an exfoliating nut, I thought I would share some information about the benefits of exfoliating with you all.
Between the ages of 15 and 25, the skin renews itself about every 20 days. As we get older, it slows down to about 28 days. Our sebaceous glands which produce oil also slow production so our skin will feel more dry. It’s because of this that our skin gets thicker and duller looking. Exfoliation removes these excess dead skin cells and reveals the healthier, younger looking skin underneath.
There are a number of ways to exfoliate, one of the cheapest and most popular is by using a loufah, the dried fibrous part of the loufah plant’s fruit. Effective but can be a bit scratchy, a loufah is used like a sponge in the shower or bath.
Dry brush exfoliation can be done before showering with a soft bristled paint brush. Starting at the feet and working your way up the body in circular motions, this process should be followed by a shower to remove the loosened skin.
Buff puffs are a double sided buffing sponge also used for exfoliation. These give pretty much the same effect as a loufah except it is a little gentler.
Most people prefer scrubs and exfoliating washes. The exfoliant ingredients in these vary from natural fruit enzymes to ground up volcanic rock. Paired with moisturizers these are effective but remember, moisturizers can clog the pores when the skin is hot. It is better to separate your exfoliant and your moisturizer…exfoliate in the shower, moisturize out of the shower when skin has cooled.
Micro-exfoliants are gentle exfoliants containing such ingredients as rice-based enzyme powders meant for sensitive skin or people with acne or similar problems.
Chemical peels mostly applied with alpha hydroxyl acids literally remove layers of skin and can be very painful. A friend of mine really went through a bad time when the chemical was too strong for her sensitive skin and it actually burned through the skin leaving her with open sores.
Microderm Abrasion, a process that needs to be repeated a few times to be effective is a literal sanding of the skin. It doesn’t require anesthesia and is relatively painless. It has been described to me as being buffed by a smooth sandpaper or emery board. Usually effective in the facial area, microderm abrasion is best performed by a professional. Over the Counter treatments are not as effective.
Of course, you could take drastic measures and have exfoliating laser treatments but that can get a little on the expensive side.
Whichever way you want to go, once you hit thirty, exfoliation should be an essential part of your skin care regimen. Exfoliating improves blood circulation and decreases puffiness. It helps skin stay healthy and younger looking. Moisturization is a necessary follow up to replace the decrease in oils in the skin.
I hope my little collection of facts about exfoliation has been helpful to you and hope that this has impacted the importance of exfoliation. Once we start getting older, we expect the wrinkles to come. Although, it is inevitable that wrinkles will appear, the question is when? I can guarantee it will be later than sooner if you exfoliate.
Thank you for reading.
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