
Removing dead skin cells can make your skin look less dull, but go easy or you could injure skin that’s sensitive. If using an exfoliant that is right for your skin, you will have a fresher-looking radiant skin, an effective penetration of the ingredients in your beauty products, and reduced oil content in the skin surface for those with oily skin.
Actually, we all undergo a constant natural exfoliation process during which an epidermal cell turnover (表皮細胞更替) occurs and the dead skin cells would be washed off when you cleanse your skin during a bath or a shower. This process happens rapidly to young people, but may significantly slow down as you age or when you have an excessively oily skin.
The most commonly used tools in skin exfoliation range from: microdermabrasion, acid peels, sugar scrubs, salt scrubs, alpha/Beta hydroxy acid (AHA/BHA), brushes, nut or seed-based scrubs, loofahs, and basically anything that has a texture that you rub across your face, or an acid that eats away the skin.
Is regular exfoliation necessary? Since young people have rapid cell turnover, there may not be significant benefits for them to exfoliate. They are more prone to the side effects instead, because exfoliation may also strip the healthy living cells. This is also the case for those with dry or sensitive skin, and may cause further sensitivity and irritation. People over 30, however, are more likely to benefit, since the cell turnover slow down as you age, and the stratum corneum (角質層) becomes too thick as a result. This is because the continuous production of healthy cells does not stop and the cells just pile up on the epidermis (表皮堆積). Also, people with excessively oily skin can benefit from routine exfoliation, because it decreases the production of oil in the skin.
So, what amount of exfoliation is safe? Once or even twice a week is enough for most skin types. GENTLE and MILD is the key to exfoliating, because anything that scratches your skin can cause lots of small cuts in your skin, making it angry, red, and irritated. Also, avoid the eye areas as the skin there is very delicate. Doing it daily is not a really good idea. Since it would take a few days or more for a substantial amount of dead skin cells to build up, exfoliating everyday can also strip off the healthy cells, hence, damaging your skin. If you develop skin irritation, excessive dryness or increased sensitivity, you may be exfoliating too much. As always, listen to your skin and choose the products with utmost care.
Ask our 2 seasoned estheticians for advice and recommendation when you next visit OASI if you are not sure about exfoliating.
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