What are Exfoliants?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This practice improves the appearance of skin by revealing the younger, healthier skin underneath. By helping to remove this dull layer of dead skin cells, exfoliation improves the texture of skin, unclogs pores, and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it can prevent ingrown hairs and acne scarring.

Exfoliation can be done through chemical or mechanical methods. Chemical exfoliation methods usually involve acids such as alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, mandelic acid and tartaric acid, or beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid. These substances loosen the bonds between cells in the outer, dead layer of skin, which speeds up the normal shedding process and helps with exfoliation.

Mechanical exfoliation techniques use abrasive items such as rough cloths, sponges, brushes or pads, or scrubs including pumice, sugar or salt crystals, polyethylene beads, crushed grape seed, ground fruit pits, oatmeal, ground almonds and other coarse materials.

One of the most well-known exfoliation procedures is microdermabrasion. In microdermabrasion, the skin is abraded, or "sandblasted," with very fine crystals of diamond dust, aluminum oxide or other ingredients. Because of the highly abrasive nature of microdermabrasion, it is almost always done by an aesthetician or dermatologist, although some companies are now developing at-home microdermabrasion products and kits.

Because of the wide array of exfoliation methods available, it is very important to determine what type of method would be best for your skin type before beginning the use of an exfoliant, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Scrubs that contain smaller abrasive granules may be more appropriate for sensitive skin types, and some ingredients, even natural ones, may be too harsh for your skin. If you are unsure of what kind of exfoliant is right for you, talk to your doctor, who can help you design a personalized skin-care regimen that includes the proper methods of exfoliation.