Exfoliation in Spain

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exfoliate for better tanningExfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface, leaving the skin feeling smoother and looking fresher. Exfoliation also makes the absorption of facial products like serums much more effective

The skin is constantly generating new cells which gradually die and become filled with keratin.  These cells are essential to give our skin its protective quality, but they are constantly shedding to make way for younger cells.

As we get older this process slows down and the cells remain unevenly on the skin’s surface giving it a dry, rough and dull appearance.  Exfoliation removes the dead cells revealing the fresher, younger skin cells below.  Take care not to over-exfoliate (especially on your face) as it will dry out the skin and irritate it.

There are two forms of exfoliation:

  • Mechanical where dead skin cells are physically rubbed off using an abrasive. Examples for the body include a salt glow, skin brushing or a scrub that might use sugar or coffee grounds. On the face smaller and more gentle abrasives like jojoba beads are often used.
  • Chemical uses enzymes, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAS) to loosen the glue-like substance that holds the skin cells together forcing  them to slough away. Facial peels are a form of chemical exfoliation which can be gentle or aggressive depending on the strength of the product used. Body exfoliation treatments might use mild chemicals like pineapple enzymes.
If you are thinking of having facial exfoliation it is important that you remember the following:

 

  • Manage the number of microdermabrasion treatments as they can make thin, older skin even thinner if you have too many treatments over a short period.
  • Never use body scrubs on the face as they are far too rough.
  • Limit the number of peels as if they are done too often they can remove too much of your protective layer and end up exposing the living dermis.
  • Do not wax for a while after a peel as it might expose raw, living skin which will scab over to heal.
With body exfoliation you can safely use a body scrub once or twice a week with no problems. Body brushing every morning is a great way to wake up and a gentle way to exfoliate.