Should I Exfoliate?
If you’ve ever looked into skincare, you’ve probably heard about exfoliation. But what is it exactly, and why do experts recommend it as an essential skincare practice for healthy, glowing skin? In this post, we’ll explain the basics of exfoliation, reveal its hidden benefits, and debunk some common myths!
What is Exfoliation?
Skin exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells, dirt, and oils from the surface of your skin. This practice has been used in many countries around the world for hundreds of years. Exfoliation not only helps to clear the skin but also offers several benefits for your skin and body. If you’re curious about how exfoliation can benefit you, keep reading!
Why do we Exfoliate?
There’s a reason why skin experts consider exfoliation a necessary and crucial skincare practice for achieving healthy, glowing skin. As we age, the process of cell regeneration in our body slows down. Without proper exfoliation, the old skin cells you shed every day can start to accumulate and get trapped on the surface of your skin. This buildup of dead skin cells can lead to excess oil and clogged pores, which can result in dark spots, rough skin texture, dullness, dryness, acne, ingrown hairs, and more!
Exfoliation helps remove the layer of dead skin cells that can clog your skin and reveals the fresh, new cells underneath. By exfoliating, you’re speeding up your skin’s natural processes, which can result in more youthful-looking skin!
Benefits of Exfoliation
1. Reduce acne & scarring
Whenever you exfoliate, you’re giving your skin a deep clean. All the dead skin cells, dirt, and oils trapped in your pores are removed, making your skin clearer and less prone to acne breakouts. If you have existing acne, regular exfoliation will help reduce its appearance by removing the buildup that worsens acne. Additionally, exfoliation helps lighten the appearance of acne scars for clearer, brighter skin!
2. Helps remove razor bumps and ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs often occur when a hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells, trapping hairs under the skin. We shed about 600,000 skin cells every hour, and if these cells aren’t removed, they can trap hairs beneath the epidermis (the top layer of your skin), causing ingrown hairs. Other causes include frequent hair removal and tight clothing.
3. Targets Keratosis Pilaris (KP)/Chicken Skin
Ever experienced small, scaly bumps on your arms or legs that just won’t go away? Experts call it Keratosis Pilaris (KP), a skin condition caused by excess keratin in your skin, leading to dead skin cells clogging hair follicles. Regular exfoliation with the CheekyGlo Exfoliating Glove can help improve the appearance of your skin. Dermatologists recommend gently removing dead skin with tools like these to minimize the appearance of these bumps.
4. Brighten dull skin and lightens dark spots
Dead skin buildup can make your skin look dull and darker. For example, your knees and elbows might appear darker than the rest of your body because these areas have no sweat glands, making them more prone to dry skin. If you don’t remove this dry skin, your skin will look rougher and darker, so exfoliation is necessary!
5. Increased blood circulation for a healthier glow
Did you know that exfoliating your skin actually promotes healthy blood flow? The motion you create while exfoliating acts as a form of lymphatic drainage massage. This type of massage encourages the circulation of lymph fluids in the body, helping to flush out wastes and toxins. You’ll notice this when your skin turns pink during exfoliation and then returns to its normal color after a few minutes—this is where the magic happens as your body gets stimulated to circulate better. Also, don’t worry if your skin appears red during exfoliation; it’s normal and will return to its original color after a few minutes! How great is that? Exfoliation benefits both the outside and inside of our bodies!
