Most of us know by now that exfoliating is an important skincare step, but we may not be sure exactly how exfoliating benefits our skin. Here are the top 7 reasons to make exfoliating part of your skincare regime.
Exfoliating:
Removes dead skin cells, pollutants, and other skin debris
Exfoliating not only ensures that your skin is free from a build-up of dead skin cells, which can clog pores and contribute to acne, but it also removes potentially harmful pollutants and debris that can damage the skin, or worse, leach into the body and enter your bloodstream (read: Yuck!) From there these pollutants can wreak havoc on the body, causing issues with your hormones and even potentially playing a role in the development of cancer and other diseases.
Stimulates collagen production for gorgeous plump and youthful-looking skin
As we age, our collagen production decreases. As collagen plays a vital role in strengthening the skin and skin elasticity, a decrease in collagen can result in dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. Collagen production can be activated, however, through gentle exfoliation. This action prompts the skin to produce new skin cell growth, which in turn stimulates new collagen. The result is plumper, more youthful-looking skin, and who doesn't want that, right?!
Smooths your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
As dead skin cells build up, they sit on top of layers of newer skin cells beneath. These built-up layers exacerbate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which sit much lower on the skin’s surface. Exfoliating removes this top layer of dead skin cells, creating a smoother, more even skin surface, effectively reducing the visible appearance of fine lines or wrinkles. A great way to think of it is by picturing a hilly landscape, with pronounced peaks and valleys. Now imagine you lower the height of the peaks slightly; the valleys no longer seem so pronounced.
Increases cellular turnover
Unfortunately, as we age, our skin renewal cycle slows from being only 15 days to taking around 28 days to complete. This means that as we get older, it can be almost a month for our skin cells to fully renew. Ain’t nobody got time for that! A longer renewal cycle can also result in dull, thicker-looking skin. Exfoliation works to remove this top layer of dead skin cells, revealing the layer of new, more vibrant-looking skin cells beneath, as well as kickstarting the body into producing more new skin cells through the minor shock it causes to the skin.
Unclogs pores and evens skin tone
Exfoliating works to remove clogged pores in two ways. The beneficial cleansing action of exfoliating helps to unclog any currently blocked pores you may have, while simultaneously removing any dead skin cells, surface debris, and pollutants from the skin which helps to prevent any future clogging. This dual action aids in improving and evening out skin tone, with many inconsistencies in skin tone being caused by dead skin cells and as a result of blocked pores. Win-win!
Creates the perfect surface to apply makeup, tan, and lotions
As any painter will tell you, the perfect application is always in the prep work! By exfoliating away any dead skin cells on the surface of your skin you are effectively creating a blank canvas to apply any makeup, tans, or lotions to. Not only does exfoliating result in the perfect surface to apply products to for a better finish, but it also enables better overall absorption of your skincare products.
Increases circulation and promotes lymphatic drainage
Let's quickly dip our toes into some science. The superficial damage caused to the skin through gentle exfoliation triggers the body to respond by increasing blood circulation to the site. This in turn triggers the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system works in conjunction with the immune system to remove toxins and waste from the body. By stimulating lymphatic drainage, you are helping your body to detoxify and remove any harmful substances from the skin, and therefore your body. So there you have it: exfoliating is for science!
Bonus reason: your skin always feels AMAAAZING after you exfoliate!
Bruny Botanica
xox
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