How To Revitalize The Skin Through Exfoliation

Exfoliation is the process of removing the outermost layer of skin and was first practiced by the ancient Egyptians. In those times, wine was commonly used to achieve exfoliation. By removing the outer layer of skin, newer and younger looking skin is exposed.

Exfoliation has several beneficial purposes:

•    Unclogging pores and keeping the skin clean

•    Providing a closer and easier shave by exposing hair follicles in men

•    Helping to reduce the appearance or severity of acne

The process can be done either mechanically or chemically and even through certain hair removal methods. Exfoliation should be done with care, since the skin can be over-exfoliated, which causes dryness that is known to be a contributing factor to wrinkles. Exfoliation should always be done after cleansing the skin.

Mechanical Exfoliation

Mechanical exfoliation is done by using an abrasive material to remove the outer layer of skin by scrubbing. Materials commonly used for mechanical exfoliation are pumice, microfiber cloths, brushes, loofahs and sponges. The shells of certain nuts, such as almonds, can also be used for mechanical exfoliation. People with dry skin should avoid products with lots of pumice, as they are likely to cause excessive dryness.
 
Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation is the use of acidic chemicals to “burn” off the outer layer of skin. Chemicals commonly used for exfoliation include salicylic acid, citric acid, malic acid and fruit enzymes. In Europe, wine-producing grapes are used in spas for exfoliation. This technique is called Vinotherapy.

Exfoliation in Hair Removal

Several methods of hair removal also serve to exfoliate the skin, and can be either chemical or mechanical:

•    Waxing, aside from removing unwanted hair by the root, is also a form of mechanical exfoliation. Dead skin cells are removed by the waxing strips and dirt is consequentially removed from the pores in the process.
 
•    Hair-removal lotions such as Nair also serve as a means of chemical exfoliation. However, due to their harsh chemical nature, these are not recommended for use on the sensitive skin of the face.

•    Shaving is another form of mechanical exfoliation. The skin is cleansed by water and shaving cream and the layers of dead skin are removed by the blades.

Exfoliation is a tried-and-true method of bringing out newer, fresher and healthier looking skin by removing its outermost layers, which are older and give the skin a rough appearance. The root of the practice is accredited to the Egyptians. It can be achieved either mechanically or chemically, and is even a byproduct of certain hair-removal techniques.