Exfoliation is the process by which the dead skin cells that accumulate over time on the skin's outer layer are removed. Exfoliation has been practiced for centuries in order to maintain the outermost layer of the skin. Ancient Egyptians were the first to use exfoliation as a method of skin care. The process was adopted by Asians several hundred years ago. Today, it is widely used in facial as well as body treatments.

Exfoliation is an important process needed to make the skin, which can become damaged for several reasons, feel smoother and appear more lively. The dermis, the lower layer of skin, is where new cells are formed. The newly formed skin cells push the older ones to the outer surface of the skin. As these cells move towards the outer layer, they become increasingly acidic and die during their journey, which takes about 30 days. Keratin, a type of protein that safeguards the skin from foreign elements, reacts with the dead cells and saturates them. During menopause, a woman's skin becomes more dry and uneven as the natural mechanism for keeping it smooth and even gets disturbed. With the help of exfoliation the outer layer clogged with dead cells is removed revealing the fresher and smoother skin underneath. This process opens up the blocked pores, cleans up the skin and helps in reducing the formation of acne.

There are two main types of processes, chemical and mechanical

Chemical Process
The products used in the chemical process for exfoliation contain acids like malic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid or salicylic acid and fruit enzymes. Products containing high concentrations (20% - 80%) of these substances are usually used under the supervision of a dermatologist to remove the dead cells, while the products available at drug stores come in lower concentrations (10% -15%) that are generally used at home and are relatively safer. Products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic acid peels, beta hydroxy acid (BHA) like salicylic acid lotions or enzymes like papain and bromelain are used in chemical exfoliation. They loosen up the collagen, a type of protein responsible for holding the skin cells together, facilitating the removal of outer layer.

Mechanical Process
In the mechanical process, the skin cells are physically scrubbed off using an abrasive or a device. This form of manual exfoliation involves the use of products like pumice stones, salt glow, sugar crystals, coffee grounds scrub, microfiber fabrics, adhesive sheets, exfoliation particles or beads, almond shells, skin brushes, loofahs, sponges and microdermabrasion.

Use of rougher abrasive scrubs is usually restricted for body exfoliation, while the milder scrubs are used in facials. Pumice stones or volcanic rocks are generally used on tougher body skin like feet bottoms. Body scrubs such as loofahs and pads are used for exfoliating elbows, knees, arms and legs. Products containing natural skin exfoliation agents like oatmeal, rice powder or ground nutshells are recommended for facials. With mechanical exfoliation, toxins, dirt particles and dead cells are extracted from the skin giving it a smoother and softer feel. It also helps in improving the ability of skin to retain moisture and increasing the blood circulation.

Both types of exfoliation can be used for varying skin types

Exfoliation For Dry Skin
There are people who think that skin exfoliation is only good for oily skin. They believe that cleansing and moisturizing the skin will keep it healthy. This is, however, not completely right. The cleansers are good for removing dirt from the skin, but they are not able to remove the dead cells that block the pores. And over the time the dry skin with dead cells and blocked pores gets rougher and coarser. Eventually, wrinkles and age lines become visible. A gentle skin exfoliation is required to maintain the dry skin to eliminate the dead cells and keep it toned.

The exfoliators with micro crystals are best for dry skin as they are not too abrasive. They are mild and have re-hydrating properties. The exfoliators with rough and hard granules should be avoided as they can abrade the skin making it inflamed. Foam based exfoliators should be used for dry skin instead of the gel ones. Exfoliation is recommended once every week for people with dry skin. Always follow the proper procedures when performing exfoliation.

Exfoliation For Oily Skin
Oily skin produces more oil than normal or dry skin and clogs the pores. Sebum, a sticky wax-like substance contained in the clogged pores causes many skin problems like blackheads and acne. Exfoliation helps in removing the excess oil and keeping it under check. However, exfoliating oily skin can leave it too dry, resulting in the production of more oil. Therefore, it is important to choose the right kind of products for exfoliating oily skin. Products for oily skin exfoliation include body scrubs, peels, masks, cleansers, toners and skin brushes.

Exfoliating cleansers that contain volcanic rocks are considered good for oily skin. Scrub the cleanser gently on the skin as rubbing it vigorously can make the skin appear dull. After washing off the cleanser, apply oil free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.

Exfoliating Sensitive Skin
Exfoliating sensitive skin simply requires an extra care both in choosing the products and in performing the procedure. There are many exfoliating body scrubs made specifically for sensitive skin available today. Choosing the one that suits this skin type is very important. It has to be mild. People with sensitive skin should use a natural loofah or a soft cloth. Nylon loofahs should always be avoided. If the body scrub is thick or contains granules, simply apply it using hands. After exfoliating the skin, wash it with warm water, apply a good toner and a deep nourishing moisturizer.

You might also be interested in these other natural skin care articles:
Natural Skin Care Products | Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care | Natural Dry Skin Remedies | Hawaiian Skin Care | Organic Skin Care | Plant and Nut Oils for Skin Care | Essential Oils | Tropical Aromatherapy | Natural Skin Care made in Hawaii | Botanical Skin Care | Hawaiian Beauty Secrets | Hawaiian Stone Therapy | History of the Hawaiian Kukui Tree | History of the Hawaiian Coconut | History of Shea Butter | History of the Macadamia Nut Tree | Hawaiian Sun Protection | Keeping your Skin Healthy on Vacation | Skin Healing Properties of Aloe Vera

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