Regular exfoliation helps to keep skin soft, smooth and glowing, by buffing away dead skin cells, and removing dirt, sebum and bacteria. Exfoliating can improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to prep skin for the application and absorption of subsequent topical products. When we’re young, our skin naturally exfoliates away dead surface cells in line with new cell production.
However, as we age, this process slows down, and these dead cells stay at the surface for longer. Exfoliants can be physical, like face scrubs, which remove dead cells through friction. Chemical exfoliants work by loosening the bonds between surface skin cells with acids or enzymes. Lots of different skincare products, including cleansers, toners and facial peels, can contain exfoliating agents, so it’s important not to overdo it, even inadvertently.
Over-exfoliation can disrupt the skin barrier, resulting in redness, inflammation, irritation and sensitivity. Little, often, and gentle is best.
