Why do you need to exfoliate your skin?
Have you ever noticed that despite all your efforts to take care of your skin, it looks dull, dehydrated or prone to imperfections ? If so, you may be missing an essential step in your routine: exfoliation. This often-neglected gesture is the key to maintaining luminous, smooth skin.
What is Cellular Renewal?
Understanding the cell renewal process
Cell renewal is a natural mechanism by which our body replaces aging cells with new, functional cells. In the case of the skin, this cycle lasts an average of 28 days in a young adult. Skin cells are born in the deep layers of the epidermis and gradually rise to the surface, where they eventually die and detach.
However, this process can be disrupted by a variety of factors, including age, hormones, stress, and exposure to external elements such as sunlight. pollution and UV rays. Renewal that is too rapid can lead to acne and inflammation, while a cycle that is too slow makes the skin dull and rough.
The Consequences of Unbalanced Cellular Renewal
Too rapid renewal: the cause of acne and clogged pores
When the renewal cycle is too rapid, the skin produces excess cells, which accumulate on the surface without detaching properly. This creates a breeding ground for clogged pores and sebum accumulation, leading to the appearance of pimples and blemishes.acne.
The sebaceous glands, for their part, produce excess sebum under the effect of hormonal stimulation, particularly during adolescence. This sebum, trapped in the pores, encourages the proliferation of bacteria, accentuating inflammation.
Solutions :
- Use products containing antibacterial agents and salicylic acids to regulate sebum production.
- Use enzymatic or chemical exfoliants to remove dead cells without damaging the skin.
Renewal too slow: dull, dehydrated skin
As we age, the cell renewal cycle naturally slows down. Dead cells accumulate on the skin's surface, leaving it dry, rough and dull. In addition, collagen and elastin production declines, affecting the skin's elasticity and firmness.hydration of the skin.
Solutions :
- Use gentle chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), to help remove dead skin cells.
- Opt for products containing hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize the skin.
The benefits of exfoliation
Exfoliation is essential for maintaining balanced cell renewal. This process removes dead cells that accumulate on the skin's surface, improving texture and radiance. By stimulating cell renewal, exfoliation also helps prevent imperfections and even out skin tone.
Types of exfoliation
- Mechanical exfoliation Scrubbing: This method uses physical particles to "scrape" dead cells from the skin's surface. However, it can be abrasive and is not recommended for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Chemical exfoliation Chemical exfoliants contain acids (AHA, BHA) or enzymes (from fruits such as papaya or pineapple) that gently dissolve dead cells without the need for friction. This method is generally gentler and more effective over the long term.
How to Integrate Exfoliation into Your Routine
It's essential to choose the right type of exfoliant for your specific skin type and needs. If you have sensitive skin, opt for enzymatic exfoliants or mild acids such as AHAs. For oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acids (BHAs) are particularly effective in unclogging pores and regulating sebum production.
Frequency :
- For normal to combination skin: 1 to 2 times a week.
- For dry or irritated skin sensitive Once a week with a mild product.
- For skin types fat or acne-prone skin: up to 3 times a week with a suitable exfoliant.
Don't Underestimate the Importance of Exfoliation
In short, regular exfoliation is essential, not only to prevent the build-up of dead skin cells, but also to stimulate skin regeneration, promote a radiant complexion and help prevent blemishes.
