subject: Why Exfoliation Is Beneficial [print this page] The process of exfoliating skin to improve it may appear to be a new thing, but it is a treatment that goes back many thousands of years, and most cultures have developed their own techniques for removing their dead skin cells that cause such consternation to the beauty-conscious person. Exfoliation means something completely different to plant lovers, as it has the same root as the word foliage and describes the process of taking off leaves or bark from plants and trees. The term may be used in both circles and there is not much difference between the two techniques it is the removal of parts of the organism that are surplus to requirement.
There is nothing at all unnatural about getting a layer of dead skin on you; it is merely part of the process of reproduction, healing and regeneration that skin needs to go through to stay healthy and functional For the most part it would just fall off in its own good time, but that means that we would be carrying it around with us until then. From a functional perspective the dead skin acts like a dull mask, keeping new, younger and healthier looking skin covered up for longer. And simply washing with soap and water will not shift all of it it likes to hang around as long as possible.
Skin exfoliation comes in two different forms. The mechanical options are not as aggressive as they sound, and typically involve some kind of abrasive surface or device to scrape off the dead skin. Just like sandpaper would, and while sandpapering your face might not seem like a wise thing to do, bear in mind that it is a very mild grade, totally different to the varieties you find on the shelves of hardware stores. While this can be a reasonably effective way of shifting the skin (and you will see the cells on the paper itself), it will not get deep into the natural undulations in the face, and of course the resulting smaller pieces of skin could end up travelling deeper into your pores and creating additional problems that require further treatment.
Removing dead skin using chemicals is a more effective technique. It can be carried out professionally in a skin care centre or tackle the task yourself at home with a high street kit, and price and possibly results may sway your decision. But because the treatment is based on a liquid application the treatment reaches all areas and can remove the flakes that just don't want to let go, leaving you with a visibly smoother and more radiant complexion.
Importantly, this type of exfoliating gets into the pores, where dead skin cells may have become embedded, waiting to cause a blockage and an outbreak. Nowadays there is no reason to have that tell-tale unexfoliated look on your face, as treatments are freely available, and the good ones work a treat. Most spa treatment providers offer a facial peel option, but even if you do it in your bathroom it's a habit you won't regret getting into.
