Why Exfoliate?

Your skin is in a constant state of regeneration. It replaces dead skin cells with new cells to ensure the continued protection of the body against invasion. An understanding of this regeneration process is a tool for maintaining healthy skin. Unhealthy skin may be the result of disorders caused by genetic irregularities, dysfunctional cell renewal processes, toxins or bacteria that have invaded the skin.

The formation of new skin cells, and the rate at which they move to the surface and are sloughed off, is dependent upon a variety of influences. Factors such as age, sun exposure, use of exfoliating agents, treatments and skin conditions can all affect the average rate of cell turnover.

As we age, cell turnover and metabolism naturally slow down. This leads to a decrease in lipids and moisture within the epidermis. As a result, dead skin cells remain on the surface for a longer period of time. The exfoliation process stimulates new cell growth. The removal of cells from the stratum corneum stimulates the lower layers to rapidly replace the outer protective covering, in turn creating new skin cells at the subcutaneous, dermal and epidermal layers of the skin. Exfoliation is EXTREMELY important in keeping the skin young and healthy!

Manual exfoliation is the physical process of removing dead skin cells with an abrasive product, such as a scrub. Chemical exfoliation is the process of using natural substances such as enzymes or alpha hydroxy acids in conjunction with other ingredients to cause chemical reaction to remove dead skin cells. Different chemical agents promote cell turnover, depending on how deeply they penetrate the layers of the skin.

The average adult should exfoliate at least once a week. Using the proper exfoliant for your skin type is just as important as exfoliating. Exfoliating will leave your skin smooth, soft and more receptive to the beneficial products applied directly afterwards. Proper exfoliation of the skin (face and body) enhances nerve stimulation and skin respiration.

So ask yourself, . . . Do I want smoother, softer, younger looking skin? "Yes" would be the correct answer and all you need to do is begin a skin care regimen that consists of cleansing with a non-soap cleanser every evening before bed. This will rid your skin of the impurities you collected throughout the day (if you wear make up, be sure to use an eye make up remover as well). In the a.m. just a few simple splashes of water over your face will do. No need to cleanse twice unless you have acne prone skin. Once a week, (in the shower works best) be sure to exfoliate with the appropriate product for your skin type. You'll see a difference in just a few short weeks! Now your on your way to softer, smoother, younger looking skin! Be ready for all the compliments, because baby their a commin'!!!