Dullness, clogged pores, flaky skin, and rough patches. These are just some of the many skin problems that people are burdened with, young or old. While cleansing is considered to be an important part of a healthy skin care routine, there’s one step that skin experts continue to recommend but some people opt to skip. And, that’s exfoliation.
What is Exfoliation?
The skin continues to renew itself through skin cell regeneration. However, as people age, the body becomes slower in generating new skin cells and shedding old ones. As a result, old or dead skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface, leaving the skin dull, rough, and dry. Buildup of dead skin cells also traps excess oil and clogs pores, leading to the formation of blackheads and pimples.
Through exfoliation, dead skin cells are removed, uncovering the fresh cells underneath. Exfoliation also helps moisturizing products be absorbed more deeply into the skin, allowing the skin to look fresh and healthy.
Exfoliation may be performed using face and body scrubs, exfoliating brushes, loofahs, and more. Physical exfoliants are typically made of granular substances, like sugar or dead sea salt.
Another way to exfoliate is through the use of chemical peels commonly offered at spas and medical facilities and performed by skin care experts. Chemical exfoliation involves using enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to loosen and slough off dead skin cells.
What are the Benefits of Exfoliating?
Improves Skin Texture
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and makes way for new skin cells to shine through. When a person exfoliates, the skin transforms from rough and dull to smooth and glowing. Exfoliating draws out congestion from pores, otherwise known as blackheads and whiteheads.
Removes Blemishes and Pigmentation
Blemishes leave dark spots on the skin while pigmentation may occur due to aging, pregnancy, or changes in a person’s hormonal levels. Exfoliating encourages new, healthy skin cells to grow and dark marks to fade. As a result, skin tone becomes more even and brighter.
Combats the Signs of Aging
Exfoliating improves blood circulation, facilitates the formation of new skin cells, breaks down fatty tissues, and drains toxins from the body. This stimulates collagen synthesis which plays an important role in reducing the appearance of visible signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
Makes Other Skin Care Products Work Better
As pores are unclogged, other skin care products are absorbed by the skin much easier. Regular exfoliation helps ensure that a person reaps the benefits of their normal skincare routine.
What Ingredients Should One Look for in an Exfoliating Product?
Dead Sea Salt
Dead sea salt, extracted from the Dead Sea between Jordan and Israel, has been a widely used ingredient in many beauty and skin care products. Kedma Skincare, the leading brand of luxury skin care products, offers a line of face and body exfoliants rich with dead sea minerals, which gently but thoroughly removes dead skin cells. Dead sea salt contain beauty-boosting minerals which include:
- Magnesium: Promotes cell growth and soothes damaged skin
- Calcium: Balances the skin’s oil and moisture levels; helps fight wrinkles and fine lines
- Sulfur: Cleanses and detoxifies skin
- Bromide: Revitalizes dull complexion
- Potassium: Aids in hydrating the skin
- Sodium: Cleanses, exfoliates, and fights free radicals
- Zinc: Fights acne and protects skin from sun
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil, although it is an oil, is non-comedogenic. It doesn’t clog pores but instead it acts as a cleanser and protectant. Jojoba oil contains iodine which fights bacteria that leads to breakouts. It also contains antioxidants that helps minimize wrinkles. Another benefit of jojoba oil is that it also moisturizes skin, helping the skin stay hydrated even while exfoliating.
Chamomile Extract
Chamomile extract is said to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic properties, which helps in preventing breakouts and reduce scars and inflammation. It is also a natural skin lightener. Chamomile extract also aids in soothing the skin while restoring its moisture content.
Walnut Shell Powder
Walnut shell, especially when crushed into super fine powder, is a highly effective exfoliant that can scrub off thick deposits of dead skin cells, dirt, and oil.
Citric Acid
Citric acid, which is a type of AHA, is a popular ingredient for addressing different skin problems like mild acne, dark spots, and wrinkles. It is useful in unclogging pores, reducing pore size, and de-pigmenting skin.
How to Include Exfoliation in the Skincare Routine?
Face
Swapping a regular cleanser with an exfoliating mask or cleanser is the easiest way to add exfoliation to your facial care regimen. Mask exfoliants, like Kedma Cosmetics’ Exfoliating Facial Mask, may be used once or twice a week. Exfoliating masks are usually applied and left on the face for about 5 minutes before rinsing off with water.
Body
Body scrubs, just like exfoliating masks, are typically used one to times a week. Kedma Cosmetics also offers body scrubs for exfoliating the whole body. Body scrubs work best when the body is first soaked in warm water to open your pores, making them more susceptible to cleaning. Make sure to pay attention to the driest parts of the body, such as the elbows and knees.
Feet
The feet tend to have the most buildup of dead skin cells in the form of calluses and dry cuticles. Kedma Cosmetics’ foot scrub is also a great choice as it comes with a stone scrub at the end of the tube to make scrubbing dry skin easier.
Exfoliating is a double-edged sword so it is important to do it properly. Don’t confuse squeaky-clean skin with healthy skin. Over-exfoliating might cause irritation and strip the skin off its natural protective barrier. Also, do follow the instructions written on the product’s label. When it says to keep the mask on for 3-5 minutes, don’t remove it after 10 minutes. Most importantly, choose the right exfoliant that will suit one’s skin type. For example, people with dry skin should opt for exfoliants that have moisturizing ingredients, while people with oily skin should choose exfoliants with light granules. And, to be safe, always consult a dermatologist or a skin care expert first before deciding what product to use.
Experience the Revitalizing Properties of Dead Sea Minerals
We, at Kedma Skin Care Philippines, understand the desire to have beautiful, young-looking skin. Our skin care products are infused with dead sea minerals and plant extracts to help you achieve the flawless, glowing, and healthy skin that you’ve always wanted.
To learn more about our products, contact us today.
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