What is exfoliation and how does it improve skin health?

How does it work? Are there different methods of exfoliating? If so, what are they?





Thanks in advance! :)What is exfoliation and how does it improve skin health?
Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells that cling to the skin's outermost surface. When done correctly, exfoliation leaves the skin smoother, softer and fresher looking. It also makes penetration easier for products like serums and lotions that nourish the skin.





1) Mechanical Exfoliation. The dead skin cells are physically rubbed off with an abrasive. Examples of mechanical exfoliation include a salt glow, a body scrub that might use sugar or coffee grounds, or skin brushing. Products for the face should use small, round, gentle abrasives like jojoba beads.





2) Chemical Exfoliation. Enzymes, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAS) loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away. Facial peels are a form of chemical exfoliation. They can either be very gentle or very aggressive, depending on how the strong the product is.What is exfoliation and how does it improve skin health?
Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin by way of a scrub or exfoliating mit etc. It's good for your skin as it lets all the fresh new cells come through, increases circulation to the skin's surface and helps your moisturiser work a whole lot better!. On the body it also minimises ingrowing hairs and helps stop any follicle problems. You should always exfoliate, if you have sensitive skin (particularly on the face) be sure to find a method that suits you best as some scrubs can be too harsh. A gentle exfoliating product once a week is enough for young skins, followed by a toner and moisturiser.
Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface. exfoliation leaves the skin smoother and fresher looking. It also makes penetration easier for products. There are 2 forms:





1) Mechanical Exfoliation. The dead skin cells are physically rubbed off with an abrasive.





2) Chemical Exfoliation. Enzymes, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAS) loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away. Facial peels are a form of chemical exfoliation. They can either be very gentle or very aggressive, depending on how the strong the product is.
if you have young, good skin there is no need to exfoliate just yet. you're just going to cause your skin to age quicker (since it removes layers from your skin, causing it to shed and replace itself faster than normal, resulting in increased aged skin) And if you have severe acne scrubbing the skin will obly make it worse. There's no need to spend a lot of money of exfoliants because their purpose is all the same, and they all do a good job. I find salt or sugar is the best exfoliant, you can also use milk or maple syrup as an chemical exfoliant.
This is a really good article on it:


http://spas.about.com/od/spatreatmentbasics/a/exfoliation.htm





I think basically it just takes all the dead skin cells off your body but that's really brief.