Exfoliation skin: what it is and how to do it

Exfoliation is a mechanism that involves the removal of the most superficial layers of the skin. This process is extremely useful to stimulate cell renewal on one hand and, on the other hand, to ensure that all dead cells, excess sebum, dirt, and smog that accumulate in the pores throughout the day do not remain deposited there, promoting the appearance of impurities such as pimples and blackheads. 

At the end of the exfoliation process, the skin appears immediately brighter to the eye and smoother and softer to the touch. 

But how is exfoliation performed? With which products can it be done? 

Exfoliation: which products to choose? 

To perform exfoliation, you can choose between two different types of products. The two most famous types of exfoliation are mechanical and chemical. Each type of exfoliation requires different products. Below we see the two most famous ones that are used for exfoliation:

scrub: the scrub allows for a type of mechanical exfoliation. Its consistency is generally in cream or gel form, and it contains microgranules that enable the removal of dead skin cells. It is usually applied by massaging onto damp skin for a few seconds. The most important thing to remember when performing this type of exfoliation is to choose a gentle product that does not irritate the skin. In fact, there are particularly aggressive scrubs that excessively dry out the skin.

peeling: Peeling is a type of exfoliation that allows for the removal of dead cells through a product that generally contains an acid. The most well-known and widespread acids in cosmetics at the moment are glycyrrhizic acid and salicylic acid. These acids have the ability to "peel" the skin (as the name itself indicates), bringing to light the younger and more beautiful layer. 

Chemical exfoliation requires more attention as it generally needs to be done in steps to allow the skin time to adapt to the product, and especially one must pay close attention to the ingredients contained in the product being used, as very often these do not allow sun exposure in the hours immediately following the treatment. 

Exfoliation: how to do it 

To perform exfoliation in the best possible way, you need to follow a few simple steps: 

1. cleansing the skin: before proceeding with the application of any product on the skin, it is essential to ensure that the skin is well cleansed. 
2. Apply the product to the skin and massage. 
3. Rinse with lukewarm water according to the usage instructions indicated on the product itself.
4. Pat dry with a towel, never rub. The skin may indeed become even more red. 
5. Don't forget the moisturizer. At this point, the very last step to follow is the application of the moisturizer to restore the optimal level of hydration of the skin and prevent it from becoming excessively dry.

Exfoliation: when to do it? 

The frequency with which exfoliation can be performed depends primarily on one's skin type. The risk of excessive exfoliation is the appearance of redness, irritation, and increased sensitivity to products that are normally used. 

dry skin: should never be performed more than once a week