Want beautiful skin? Try Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a naturally occurring physiological process whereby dead surface skin cells, naturally slough off, and reveal new skin cells. This process naturally takes a long tme, but you can help it along. It is a kind of skin treatment which helps to speed up the process of skin flaking and shedding, by taking off the uppermost, dead layer of cells to expose the finer part. Exfoliation is an important part of both facials and body treatments. When done correctly, exfoliation leaves the skin feeling smoother and fresher looking. Exfoliation also makes penetration easier for expensive facial products like serums.

Forms of Exfoliation:

Mechanical Exfoliation: Exfoliating can be done manually using a mildly abrasive product such as a silk mitt, a soft washcloth, a "scrub" or exfoliating mask. Mechanical exfoliators contain minuscule pieces of grit that, when rubbed on your skin, dislodge the dead skin cells. The dead skin cells are physically rubbed off with an abrasive. Examples of mechanical exfoliation include a salt glow, a body scrub that might use sugar or coffee grounds, or skin brushing. On the face, mechanical exfoliation ranges from scrubs should use small, round, gentle abrasives like jojoba beads.

Chemical Exfoliation: Chemical Exfoliators do the same task as their mechanical siblings but by using mild acids in place of shrapnel. Exfoliating products usually contain alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, or salicylic acids. Enzymes, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAS) loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away. They can either be very gentle or very aggressive, depending on how the strong the product is.

Types of Chemical Exfoliators:

AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are fruit acids and are water-soluble. Product formulas need to have a concentration of at least 5-8% and a pH level of 3 or 4 to be effective. If the packaging doesn't say, look for an ingredient listing placing it second or third, and the presence of a balancing ingredient like sodium or potassium hydroxide.

BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid is salicylic acid and is oil-soluble. Product formulas need to have a concentration of at least 1-2% and a pH level of 3. Look for an ingredient listing placing it approximately in the middle, and including sodium or potassium hydroxide.

Skin exfoliation using both AHAs and BHA, act to remove the outer layer of skin cells and promote cell turnover, allowing healthier new cells to come to the surface.

Process:

Wet the area of skin you want to exfoliate.
Get a cleanser that is appropriate for your kind of skin and apply an exfoliating cleanser to your skin or sprinkle it onto your sponge or you can also use a loofah or special exfoliating gloves and apply it to your body in circular motions.
A recommended homemade exfoliator is to spread mashed papaya over your body, as the enzymes it contains exfoliates the skin. Make sure your body is wet first of all by having a bath or shower, and be careful when you are spreading it onto delicate areas like your neck and thighs.
Rinse your body thoroughly afterwards and don't forget to moisturize well, as although the exfoliator is good in removing the dead cells, it also dries your skin so moisturizer is extra important.

Benefits:

It's ability to improve texture of your dull skin, making it more vibrant.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sloughs off the dead skin cells your body has shed.
Unclogs pores.
Keeps skin healthy, thus helping to prevent break-outs.
Helps retain your tan when you exfoliate before slapping on the sunscreen.

Tips:

When exfoliating the face, use products specifically designed for the face.
Products designed for your body may be too abrasive and irritating for your face.
Your skin may tingle after using alpha or beta hydroxy acids.
The tingling should stop within 15 minutes.
If you exfoliate regularly, keep moisturizer on your face at all times.
Exfoliating causes the skin to dry out, and dry skin is an invitation for skin to wrinkle.

If you need help choosing an exfoliant, don't hesitate to ask your dermatologist for guidance. Your doctor will be able to recommend a product or procedure that is both safe and effective for your skin.

(Sources: about.com, tellmehowto.net, beauty-and-makeup-tips.com, mamashealth.com, piercemattie.com)