Dermalogica and Exfoliation Will Help to Improve the Health of Your Skin.

Dermalogica Skin exfoliation improves the quality and tone of skin by assisting in the removal of dead skin cells from the surface (the human skin produces about one million skin cells per minute, which equates to over five billion cells per day). As our skin cells renew, old surface cells harden and lose moisture, and eventually detach from skin to allow for new cells to come through (this process is called desquamation).

Desquamation also eliminates damaged and contaminated cells that carry pollutants and micro-organisms from the environment. These dead skin cells don't always effectively fall from our skin, meaning they can dry and dull the skin's surface and cause clogging and congestion. Through professional dermalogica and at-home exfoliation, these dulling skin cells are effectively removed and newer cells are revealed for a fresher, healthier appearance.

Acneic Skin: Acneic skin produces five times more dead skin cells than other skin conditions, meaning power exfolaition can have great benefits for acenic skin. Hydroxy acids, in general, will be effective as they help the dead cells detach, preventing dead skin cells from clogging the follicle and contributing to acne. (Avoid physical exfoliants/scrubs, whch can worsen inflammation).

Aging Skin: When we are young, our cells renew roughly every 12-19 days. But as we get older, this process slows down, as the "glue" that holds our cells together becomes denser. The natural sloughing of older cells from the skin becomes more difficult, causing a build up that results in dull, thick skin with less tone. On average, cell renewal rates takes from 28-35 days in mid-life and up to 90 days in maturity.

Exfoliation is especially effective on prematurely aging and mature skin, as it stimulates cell renewal faster than the body can on its own.

Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation is an increase in colour casued by either an increase in melanin, an increase in melanocytes or is from substance that adds colour by forming deposits in the skin. Exfoliation helps shed the pigmented cells more quickly and will also help remove the dead skin cells so ingredients can more effectively penetrate hyperpigmentation at its source such as the Dermalogica Chromawhite Range.

Dry, Dehydrated Skin: A lack of moisture in ski leads to gaps in the cellular barrier. Leaving skin feeling tight and strectched, many tend to overmoisturise, which sticks the older skin cells down, leading to a dull, uneven skin tone. Through exfoliation, dying skin cells are effectively removed and moisturising and hydrating ingredients can penetrate deeper into skin to help ease dry and dehydrated skin conditions.

When not to exfoliate?

If skin is sensitised, exfoliation may not be for you, as it may further compromise your skin's antural protective barriers. It is important to always follow the direction of your skin therapist when exfoliation is a part of your at-home regimen and professional skin treatments.

What is an exfoliant?
An exfoliant is any agent that removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface to reveal newer, smoother skin that’s underneath. When we exfoliate, we automatically cause skin renewal because new cells are stimulated to push towards the surface to replace the newly removed dead cells.

Exfoliants can be physical or chemical and their usage is dependent upon each individual’s skin care needs.
Physical Exfoliants use friction to remove dead skin cells, either through the use of a tool (such as a brush or sponge) or a gentle abrasive (such as corn cob meal, rice bran or oatmeal). Depending on the amount of friction and the nature of the abrasive used, results will vary. You can find Corn Cob Meal in Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub and Rice Bran in Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

Unlike physical exfoliants that remove debris through gentle abrasion, chemical exfoliants smooth skin by dissolving the intercellular “glue” that attaches cells to the surface. Hydroxy acids, Retinol and enzymes are examples of chemical exfoliants. Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant and Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster are two great at-home exfoliants that use this combination of Lactic and Salicylic Acids.