How Exfoliation Boosts Skin Health

Boost Circulation

Exfoliation helps boost circulation, which can give the skin a natural, rosy glow. The increased circulation that occurs after exfoliation temporarily plumps the skin, and this may reduce the appearance of cellulite and help the skin look more youthful. Generally, mechanical exfoliation provides the most benefit in terms of a circulation boost. Patients might want to try dry brushing for this purpose, and several electronic devices are available for automatic mechanical exfoliation. To maximize the circulation boost associated with exfoliation, most beauty therapists combine mechanical exfoliation with chemicals and naturally abrasive substances such as sea salt, vitamin C, and berry extracts.

When using an exfoliating product for circulation benefits, it is important to avoid those with small plastic beads. In fact, these have now been banned in the United States. Patients should always be mindful of potential signs of poor circulation, including cold hands and feet, swelling of the feet, and muscle cramps. If these are present, it is unlikely that exfoliation will be able to boost circulation as much as the patient needs, and a physician should be consulted.

Increases Cell Turnover

Exfoliation increases cell turnover, a process in which skin cells reach maturity and rise to the skin layer known as the stratum corneum. Once the new skin cells arrive at this layer of the skin, they push older skin cells out of the way, replacing them. Regular cell turnover keeps the skin looking fresh, soft, and youthful. To encourage maximum cell turnover, experts advise patients to exfoliate gently for a longer period. This is more effective than roughly scrubbing the skin for a brief period.

If the skin is in good condition and has been regularly exfoliated, patients can promote healthy cell turnover by gently massaging a cleanser or exfoliating serum around all areas of the face for thirty seconds. Patients whose skin needs more attention are advised to exfoliate with a gentle massaging technique for up to ninety seconds. Continuing for longer than ninety seconds could be irritating for the skin. In conjunction with exfoliation, skin cell turnover can be accelerated through the use of skincare products derived from vitamin A (retinol or retinoids).