Remove dead skin cells with exfoliation, is it safe and healthy?

Every day you produce millions of dead skin cells. If not cleaned, there will be a buildup in the skin. Of course this can interfere with the health of your skin. For that, there is a special treatment that aims to remove dead skin cells, namely exfoliation. So, is it true that exfoliation is good for the skin? Come on, find out the answer in the following review.

Removing dead skin cells means maintaining skin balance

The skin naturally removes the outer layer of skin once a month. This natural process causes the cells on the skin to die every day. But as you age, the peeling of the skin slows down, which can make your skin dry, scaly, and itchy.

Exfoliating or removing dead skin cells means helping the skin to speed up the exfoliation process and help relieve several skin conditions. That is why exfoliation is one of the best treatments for the skin.

There are two ways to exfoliate. First, physically with a brush or scrub to remove dead skin cells. Then the second method is done chemically by applying acid to the skin to dissolve the dead coolie cells.

Apart from speeding up the exfoliation process, exfoliating also provides other benefits. The skin becomes brighter because the buildup of skin cells has been cleared and the blood flow to the face becomes smoother. Not to forget, this procedure increases the effectiveness of skin care. The reason is, the skin layer is more easily penetrated by skin care products while increasing collagen production, if done in the long term.

For this reason, exfoliation can be a treatment to restore acne-prone skin and skin spots due to sun exposure.

You will get all the benefits of exfoliation, provided…

Even though the benefits are many and are generally easy to do, you still need to consult a dermatologist first. Because, chemical exfoliation with maximum results still has the potential to make your skin condition worse, if the product you choose is not suitable. So, you need to understand the skin condition and consider the ingredients of the right product for your skin.

On the website of the American Academy of Dermatology, dr. Marry P. Luppo, FAAD, a professor of skin health from Tulane University of Medicine said that people with special skin conditions such as acne prone skin or rosacea should consult beforehand to do exfoliation.

People who have more severe peeling conditions that are at risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) should avoid exfoliating treatments. So, not everyone is suitable for exfoliating.

How to do the correct exfolization?

So that the process of removing dead skin cells that you are doing is maximally successful, pay attention to the following steps.

1. Know your skin type

Everyone has a different skin type. So, it is important for you to know your skin type before doing any skin care, including exfoliating. This is because the type of skin you have is an indication of which treatment you should do and how often you do the treatment.

2. Choose the right care products

If you have dry and sensitive skin, choose an exfoliating product that's lighter in salicylic acid or glycolic acid. However, if your skin is more oily, choose a treatment product with a salicylic acid content greater than two percent. However, don't go beyond that. You can get these treatment products at the pharmacy according to a dermatologist's prescription.

Avoid products that contain retinoids, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide, which can reduce skin moisture and cause dry, acne-prone skin. Make sure to always clean the scrub or brush before and after use. Likewise with the cleanliness of the towels you use.

3. Create a regular schedule

How often you exfoliate should be adjusted to your skin type. Normally, exfoliate twice a week. However, for oily skin, more frequent exfoliation treatments are recommended. Then for sensitive skin, exfoliate less frequently, for example once a week.

Meanwhile, if you exfoliate with a microdermabrasion procedure from a doctor, exfoliate several times a few weeks. Make a regular schedule for exfoliation, whether it's a doctor's appointment or a schedule that you make yourself at home.

4. Select the appropriate exfoliation method

For dry, sensitive, or acne skin types, it is recommended to choose a treatment with a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator. Meanwhile, for oily skin, choose chemical care products that have stronger salicylic acid levels and help with a scrub or face brush. If your skin has acne and sunburn, choose chemical care products and milder scrubs.

5. Exfoliate properly and carefully

Before exfoliating, wash your face first. Then, wash your face again with warm water. Then, gently apply the product or scrub to the skin in a circular motion. Do this for 30 seconds and rinse with warm water. Pat your face dry gently with a dry towel. Then, apply skin moisturizer evenly so that skin moisture is maintained.