How to Exfoliate

Last time I reported some recent research regarding how not to exfoliate. Today I want to talk about the best methods. In my opinion physical exfoliation – whether rubbing, scrubbing or microdermabrasion – should be avoided. [The only physical exfoliation gentle enough for regular use is shaving, but of course only about half the population can use that method! Also, I don’t include laser resurfacing in this discussion because that is typically used to treat discrete areas such as fine lines around the eyes.]



That brings us to chemical exfoliation. I would avoid deep chemical peels; but I think everyone knows that by now and very few doctors offer deep peels anymore. The lighter chemical peels may be OK if they are not overused. Injury definitely shifts the skin’s repair mechanisms into high gear and boosts the production of new collagen.



At this point, it may sound like I am opposed to all forms of skin exfoliation. Nothing could be further from the truth. What I recommend is frequent exfoliation using gentle chemical agents. How frequent must be determined based on each individual’s skin sensitivity.



Some women can apply exfoliating products every day while others cannot tolerate them more than once a week. The object is to speed the sloughing of dead skin cells on a continual basis. This in turn revs up the skin’s cell replacement mechanism.



To make an analogy: which is better for a car driving down the highway?



1. Repeatedly gunning the engine and speeding to close the gap between you and the car 500 yards ahead, then slamming on the brakes; or



2. Maintaining a constant speed.



Regular gentle exfoliation tunes up your skin’s engine to keep it running smoothly.



Tags: microdermabrasion, exfoliation, chemical exfoliation