We often find in the aesthetics profession that many of our clients do not understand the importance of making exfoliation a part of their weekly skin care regimen. What does exfoliation do? The term exfoliation refers to the sloughing or peeling away of the horny layer or outer layer of the skin, also known as the corneum. An exfoliant is a particular ingredient that facilitates this process.
Let’s look at the skin cells journey: new skin cells are created in the skin’s lower layer, the dermis. Over time, cells migrate to the surface of the skin and become more acidic. During their 30 day journey, they die and become saturated with keratin. Keratin is important because it protects the skin from outside elements. Through the ageing process, and after menopause for women, the natural process of skin erosion becomes uneven, which gives skin a dry and rough character. Exfoliation removes the outer layer to reveal the newer skin beneath. This shedding of the outer layer unclogs pores, keeps skin clean and more youthful/healthy in appearance, and helps reduce acne breakouts. There are different types of exfoliants, ranging from chemical, acidic, or enzymatic exfoliants to mechanical exfoliation (such as microdermabrasion).
Chemical exfoliants include scrubs, serums or gels containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, citric acid, or malic acid which may be applied in high concentrations by a dermatologist or in lower concentrations in over-the-counter products. Chemical exfoliation may also involve the use of products that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that act to weaken the bonds that holds the skin cells together and sloughs them away more readily.
Why is it vital to skin health? There are great benefits of exfoliation. Women have exfoliated their skin for centuries. In fact, credit is given to the ancient Egyptians for the practice of exfoliation. Proper and habitual exfoliating can improve dull, lifeless skin tone; oily, clogged pores with minor acne, blackheads and/or whiteheads; dehydrated skin with cell build-up and flakiness; and in some cases, improve fine lines and wrinkles. Just remember… “you must remove to improve!”
While we recommend a professional facial at least once per month or once every other month for skin health and we absolutely recommend that you exfoliate two times per week.1
This is your facial at home! Placécol has several exfoliating options for your skin-specific needs. Two of Placécol’s exfoliants are rich in alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). The skin-rejuvenating properties of certain AHA’s have been known for centuries. Cleopatra bathed in sour milk, which contains lactic acid, and the women of the French court washed their faces in spoiled wine, which contains tartaric acid. AHA’s are weak organic acids. They are naturally found throughout nature in sugar cane as glycolic acid, in sour milk as lactic acid, and in fruits as malic, citric and tartaric acids. The principal cosmetic actions of AHA’s on the skin are increased exfoliation and moisturization. The moisturizing qualities of cosmetic AHA’s help diminish the appearance of fine lines and help maintain the skin’s proper moisture level. Low concentration AHA’s facilitate shedding of the outer layer of the epidermis resulting in cosmetically improved skin with a radiant, youthful glow to the skin. With proper and regular exfoliation, your skin will radiate a healthy glow. Visible improvements appear in skin texture, smoothness, and overall skin health.
Placecol’s Gentle Exfoliating Serum contains AHA’s origin form red berries such Blackcurrant and Bilberry, containing citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid and malic acid. These red fruits are rich in sugars, minerals and vitamin C, an active stimulant for cell regeneration that protects the skin against free radicals. It also contains glycoproteins which increase cell turnover and cell proliferation while stimulating the skin’s immunosystem.
Placécol’s AHA Exfoliating Cream is rich in Bilberry, Sugar Cane, Sugar Maple, Orange and Lemon extract it is also enriched with Shea butter for additional mildness on the skin. This concentrated blend of five botanical extracts contains several naturally occurring alpha hydroxyl acids. These extracts contain a wide variety of residual natural substances, such as cellulose, carbohydrates, proteins, water soluble vitamins and minerals. The primary action of AHA’s lies in their keratolytic ability – they weaken bonds that hold dead skin cells together. When these bonds are weakened, the dead skin cells can be shed from the surface of the skin, resulting in skin that appears fresher, smoother and younger.
This natural fruit acid blend also helps to normalize and improve the production of new skin cells, while the addition of Shea butter nourishes and conditions the skin, leaving it in superlative condition. Suitable for dry, sensitive skin.
Placécol’s Platinum Gentle Exfoliator with Papaya is a unique and highly effective exfoliator that uses papaya as the fruit acid exfoliator. This highly effective exfoliator is designed for mature/dry skin with changing hormone levels and appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. It contains super hydrating Ximenia Oil and Calendula Oil leaving your skin more youthful in appearance, toned, hydrated, and rejuvenated.
The regular use of products such as Placecol’s Gentle Exfoliating Serum, AHA Exfoliating Cream, or the Platinum Gentle Exfoliator with Papaya make skin appear fresher, smoother and younger while at the same time releasing the benefits of hydration and collegen sythesis from lactic and citric acids. These products are effective yet gentle enough as to not over-exfoliate or break down the skins natural protection and impeded cellular function while improving the over-all health of your skin. A simple addition of a good exfoliator to your skin care regime can have beautiful and skin healthy results!
It is important to note that exfoliation can cause irritation or damage to the skin and capillaries if overused or used incorrectly. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a skin care professional to assess your skin type and proper skin care regimen.