Exfoliation is generally recommended for maintaining healthy skin. As an integral part of the beauty routine, this practice must be performed correctly to give the skin a glow. In addition to understanding the benefits of this method, discover four good reasons to exfoliate the skin.
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4 reasons to exfoliate your skin.
Summary
- 1. Exfoliation for a brighter complexion
- 2. Exfoliate your skin to reduce blemishes and blackheads
- 3. Exfoliation aids in the penetration of skincare treatments
- 4. Diminish pigmentation spots and even out skin tone through exfoliation
Published August 22, 2023,
updated on February 8, 2024,
by
Manon, Scientific Editor
—
4 min read
1. Exfoliation for a brighter complexion.
Keratinocytes are cells found in the epidermis. Over time, keratinocytes die through apoptosis (programmed cell death) and form dead cells that accumulate on the surface of the epidermis, which can give the skin a dull and tired appearance.
Theexfoliation process serves to remove these dead cells and impurities present on the epidermis. This could involve a mechanical exfoliation which requires treatments based on granules, commonly known as scrubs. Thus, dead cells are removed through a mechanical action. Regarding thechemical exfoliation, it relies on active ingredients that break the bonds between the dead cells and the skin. These active ingredients particularly target glycoproteins, which facilitates the detachment of dead cells.
2. Exfoliate your skin to reduce blemishes and blackheads.
Blackheads , also known as "open comedones", are slightly raised fat clusters that form on the skin due to clogged pores. The appearance of these unsightly obstructions is caused by an excess of sebum, as well as the accumulation of dead cells and impurities in the skin's enlarged pores. They derive their name from their dark appearance on the surface. This colouration is the result of the oxidation of the content when it comes into contact with air.
By regularly eliminating dead cells and keeping the pores clear, exfoliation helps to maintain clean skin and prevents the build-up of sebum and impurities. Thus, exfoliation is an essential practice that prevents the formation of blackheads and also aids in their removal by unclogging the pores.
3. Exfoliation aids in the penetration of skincare treatments.
When dead cells accumulate on the surface of the epidermis, they can form a barrier that prevents active ingredients from penetrating the skin and thus benefiting from the advantages of skincare treatments. Exfoliation therefore allows for the removal of dead cells, unclogging pores by getting rid of excess sebum or impurities, enabling skincare treatments to effectively penetrate the skin.
4. Diminish pigmentation spots and even out skin tone through exfoliation.
The pigmentation spots form due to a disruption in the skin's pigmentation process, melanogenesis. Melanin, the pigment responsible for the skin's natural colour, is produced in excess in certain areas, leading to the appearance of brown, red, or pink spots. These spots tend to manifest primarily on the face.
Exfoliation can help to fade pigmentation spots. This property arises from several factors, notably the removal of dead cells promotes cellular renewal and evens out the complexion. Furthermore, exfoliation aids the absorption of treatments such as depigmenting care, thereby enhancing their effectiveness.
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