What is exfoliation? How does it remove dead cells ?
July 04, 2022

What is exfoliation? How does it remove dead cells ?

Physical Exfoliation

Exfoliation is the way of removing dead cells from the outer layer of the face and skin, it is an elementary part of the skincare routine which helps to cure dry or dull skin, and brightens & improves your skin’s appearance.

There are two key methods to exfoliate your skin for nourishment – Physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation.

 

Applying scrub

Physical Exfoliation:
This process involves using tools or substances to physically remove or strip away the outermost layer of the skin.

Skin scrubs and brushes are forms of physical exfoliation, they contain textured bit and granny particles to trigger the exfoliation

Types of Physical Exfoliation:
a.) Exfoliation Sponge: It is an easy way to exfoliate skin and face with the help of lukewarm water and T&H organics soap/foaming face wash in the shower.

b.) Exfoliating brush: Brush can be used to remove dead skin cells and layers from the skin and face, it can also be used of exfoliated the heels and skin.

c.) Exfoliating glove: If you are not able to get satisfactory results with a sponge and brush, you might use Exfoliating glove. dampen your skin with lukewarm water, then apply the scrub to the skin and rub it with the exfoliating glove in a circular motion, then rinse it with T&H Organics Soap/ Foaming Facewash, and After it applies T&H Anti Aging face oil for the best result.

d.) Exfoliating scrub: This is the vital way to exfoliate the skin, applying the scrub on your skin in a circular motion can increase the blood flow

 

Scrub tools Physical Exfoliation

Chemical Exfoliation:
Chemical exfoliants work very differently from physical exfoliants physical ones. They depend on chemical ingredients like Beta Hydroxy Acids and Alpha Hydroxy Acids for the process of removing dead skin. Chemical exfoliants act by dissolving the intercellular glue that holds dead cells together. They are particularly helpful if you are dealing with significant skin congestion. Chemical exfoliation can be in the form of peels, serums, cleansers, or toners.

Some of the commonly used chemical exfoliants are Alpha, Beta, and Poly Hydroxy Acids. These act as active ingredients, and it can take some time for your skin to adapt to them so be sure not to use them in excess and always do a patch test before trying them on your face.

When and how should you exfoliate your skin?
It’s up to you how which exfoliation process you prefer, either Physical or Chemical. You may try both and choose based on your skin tone and type. Whatsoever you choose, it is advised not to use more than 2-3 times a week.

If you choose a physical exfoliate process for your skin, do not go very hard, be gentle on the sensitive areas like face. Take a spoon of scrub on your hands and gently rub it clockwise, after applying it to your skin. Wait for 10-12 minutes then wash it with T&H Organics Advanced Foaming Cleanser. Wipe your skin with a linen towel, and apply organic oil like T&H Organics Anti-aging oil. Pour 5-10 drops on your palm and apply to your skin in circular motions, give it time to penetrate it into your inner layer of skin.

If you chose the chemical exfoliation process, be aware of the effects of each ingredient. Chemical exfoliation comes with venti list of precautions. The ingredients of chemical exfoliation can make your skin too sensitive to the sun, accordingly use sunscreen with SPF-30 , containing Zing oxide and Titanium Dioxide. To protect your skin, use T&H Organics Cold Pressed Coconut Oil in all weather conditions both indoor and outdoor.

Most popular form of physical exfoliation is using scrubs. When we talk about skin scrubs, there are certain ingredients that we love to use because of their ample benefits to skin.

Caster Sugar/Brown Sugar: Fine-grained sugar gently exfoliates the skin and makes the lips really soft. A natural humectant, it also draws moisture to the skin. Sugar is the least abrasive making it a good choice for sensitive skin and facial scrubs. It exfoliates the skin as its molecules penetrate depth into the skin. It helps in loosening the skin cells while promoting cell growth. Also, the granules of brown sugar are not too gritty, they are very effective and do not irritate your skin due to scrubbing.

Arabian Coffee: It acts as a mechanical exfoliate, which means they physically remove dead skin cells from your skin’s surface through scrubbing to reveal the new underneath healthy skin. Additionally, coffee beans also work as chemical exfoliate removing skin cells with their enzymes or acidic properties.

Caffeine helps tighten the skin, which can reduce cellulite. When applied under and around the eyes, it can minimise the appearance of puffy eyes as caffeine reduces swelling and inflammation. Coffee also has antioxidant properties to protect from UV rays and hyperpigmentation

D-Panthenol: Vitamin is one of the most versatile elements when it comes to skincare and beauty ingredients. Best known for its outstanding hydrating and revitalizing properties, Vitamin E will not only replenish moisture but leave your skin with a freshness and supple glow. It not only acts as a skin-renewing powerhouse, but it also improves the skin immune system and overall skin appearance. It decreases the appearance of scars, scrapes, and bruises. It also aides in healing blemishes and acne scars while giving the skin a soft glow.

Green Tea Leaves: Green tea has been around for many many years, however more recently it has come to the forefront as a staple ingredient in food, beverages and skincare. Many of your much loved products are turning green and for good reason, as green tea has many health benefits that make it a superfood for your body and skin. Green tea is high in a specific type of antioxidant known as polyphenols. Green tea is shown to help with skin’s moisture retention, defence against sun damage and even new skin cell development.

Organic Cold Pressed Oils: Cold-pressed oils have fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, and other healthy fats as they preserve the nutrients of their ingredients and maintain their natural form. Oils are rich in antioxidants that help minimize inflammation, stress on skin, and reduce wrinkles. Oils reach deeply in the pors to skin and helps it to get revitalized it.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid: In the chemical exfoliation, there are water-soluble acids derived elementary from sugar fruits.

Glycolic Acid: One of the highest demanded AHA on the market, Glycolic acid reaches to the deepest into the skin pores due to small particles, if your skin chooses to try chemical exfoliation, this can be a good option to use it, but be double sure, as it can be harsh for some types of skin.

Lactic Acid: If your skin is not comfortable with Glycolic, and if you still wish to uss chemical exfoliation. Here is another option i.e., Lactic Acid, it derived from Milk, and is effectively use for dry skin.

Citric and Malic Acid: This can be one of the best in terms of chemical exfoliation, both the acids are derived from the fruits. If something is derived from fruits, that comes under natural ingredients. This might be good option, but be aware about the co-ingredients also.

Beta Hydroxy Acid: Chemical exfoliation, depends upon the skin types, and if you know that you have oily skin, then this is the perfect ingredient for exfoliation purpose. This ingredient reaches deep into the skin and unclogs the pores, good one for acne, and blackheads.

Poly Hydroxy Acids: Poly Hydroxy Acids work incredibly well on sensitive skin, it has a venti molecular structure, that’s why it works much slower than Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acid. It reaches slowly into the deepest layer of skin.

Chemical Exfoliation vs Physical Exfoliation