Why exfoliate?

The skin is a dynamic organ that — like the heart or brain — must constantly generate new cells to carry out its vital functions. After new cells are produced deep within the skin, they penetrate to the surface where they die and fill with keratin. These keratinized cells are essential for protecting skin; however, as we age and the process of skin cell production slows, this build-up impairs skin in the following ways:

• Creates a dull complexion. The build-up of dead cells on the surface of skin causes a dull, rough appearance. Exfoliating treatments remove those cells that are clinging on to reveal fresher, younger skin cells below.

• Prevents absorption of products. Too much dead skin interferes with the penetration of ingredients. Removing these cells enhances the ability of pores to absorb ingredients for a more effective skin care routine.

While many used to equate exfoliation with the spa, there are plenty of effective, more affordable treatments that can be done in the comfort of home.

For the face

1. Exfoliating cleansers . Many facial cleansers feature small, synthetic, exfoliating beads that gently slough away dead cells from the surface of skin. Cleansers (not to be confused with “scrubs”) are typically the mildest type of exfoliant, and depending on your skin type, may be gentle enough to use daily. As with all products, look for formulas designed for your skin type and use as directed.
• Product pick: Teeming with nourishing oats, almonds and honey, Jurlique Daily Exfoliating Cream gently loosens and lifts away dead skin for a deeply cleansed and more radiant complexion. This cleansing cream is ideal for all skin types.
2. Facial scrubs. For a bit more exfoliating action, add a facial scrub to your skin care routine. Look for a gentle scrub with exfoliating beads that won’t scratch or irritate your face. For more abrasive action, try a scrub that contains natural ingredients like apricot peels, pomegranate seeds or walnuts. Because of the abrasive action, those with acne prone skin should avoid abrasive scrubs — they can break open blemishes and cause scarring.
   
   Always apply facial scrubs gently without too much pressure. Use a facial scrub a few times per week or as directed – not daily. Exfoliating too often can remove healthy cells, causing irritation or skin damage.

• Product pick: Juara Rice Facial Scrub offers easy exfoliation and cleansing in one simple step. Tiny rice extracts gently slough away dead surface skin while conditioning amino acids penetrate pores to moisturize for a healthy, more radiant complexion.

3. Facial peels. Facial peels remove the outermost layer of dead skin to restore your complexion while infusing pores with skin-healthy ingredients. Peels typically contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids to help minimize pores, eliminate acne and even diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

While some women prefer a pre-made facial peel, others enjoy homemade recipes with common ingredients found in the kitchen including cocoa, yogurt, honey, oats or heavy cream. Use homemade peels once or twice a week, but follow package directions for store-bought products.

• Product pick: Get daily results with Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel. This two-step system includes easy-to-use pads that deliver a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate for improved tone and texture, while green tea extract and vitamins A, C and E smooth, balance and protect.

4. Microdermabrasion. During a microdermabrasion procedure at the spa or dermatology clinic, a machine sprays fine crystals across the skin that — when lifted away — remove the top layer of skin.

You can sidestep costly, time-consuming office visits with at-home microdermabrasion tools that feature electronic brushes and vacuum action to effectively exfoliate.

• Product pick: Check out the Personal Microderm Tool Kit, which is easy to use and small enough to store in your bathroom. This handheld microdermabrasion brush boasts two disc attachments for varying degrees of exfoliation and incredible vacuum action to boost blood flow for a healthier, more radiant complexion.

5. Retinols. Derived from vitamin A, retinols are excellent exfoliants and are proven to effectively reduce the size of pores, diminish acne and minimize signs of aging. Because retinols exfoliate without mechanical action, they’re ideal for those with acne or skin that’s sensitive to abrasive action.

• Product pick: In addition to having the highest concentration of retinol possible, SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 also features advanced stabilization and delivery technologies for improved action. Use this cream to stimulate cell production, boost collagen and correct age spots for younger, brighter looking skin.

For the body

Exfoliation is just as important for your body as it is for your face, as dead cells also accumulate on arms, legs and feet, creating dry patches and unsightly scaly spots.

6. Body scrubs. In addition to abrasive extracts to slough off dead skin cells, body scrubs are also formulated with soothing oil and fragrance to enhance the bath time ritual. Look for formulas that feature skin-nourishing ingredients and chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids.

• Product pick: Juara Invigorating Coffee Scrub is an ideal choice when you feel skin getting scratchy or rough. This aromatic formula awakens as it exfoliates for an energized shower experience.

7. Body polishes. A body polish is like a facial from head to toe and typically includes exfoliants, moisturizers and fragrance. It’s applied following a shower or bath and left on for a period of time so that the skin can soak in the ingredients. After the polish is rinsed off, the skin looks and feels more radiant and refreshed.

• Product pick: Use Molton Brown Celestial Maracuja Body Sugar Polish for a double-duty moisturizing and exfoliating treatment. This luxe organic fusion blends maracuja passion flower, rosa mosqueta oil and organic raw sugars to polish and restore every pore.

8. Dry skin brushing. Featuring soft, natural bristles, a body brush gently exfoliates, reduces cellulite, boosts circulation and encourages cell regeneration for brighter skin all over. Brushing skin daily before the shower also enhances the skin’s ability to absorb ingredients for a more effective skin care routine.

• Product pick: Eight Body Moisture Lavender Brush and Moisture Set pairs a body brush and lavender moisturizing lotion for softer, more supple skin from head to toe.

9. Electronic body brush. Electronic body brushes are specially designed to deliver powerful microdermabrasion to areas on the body that need it most, including hands, elbows, feet and chest. These powerful devices offer dramatic results in less time than manual body brushing.

• Product pick: Clarisonic PLUS Skin Care System with Spot Treatment offers gentle exfoliation for softer, smoother skin. This easy-to-use cordless device improves overall tone and texture while enhancing skin’s ability to absorb ingredients.

Before you begin

Using multiple exfoliating products may cause redness, excessive dryness, peeling or other irritations — even in those with normal skin types. Always look for treatments that are formulated for your skin type and use as directed. If you experience any side effects, discontinue the exfoliating treatment immediately and talk to a dermatologist about what types of exfoliants are right for you.

Bottom line: Better skin

From facial peels to body polishes, there’s an effective, skin-restoring exfoliating solution for everyone. At-home exfoliating treatments are a private, affordable alternative to pricey professional procedures.

See also:

Exfoliation 101

Getting Rough Feet Summer-Ready

Chemical Peels for Skin Rejuvenation

Anti-Aging Handbook