Winter skin and why you should exfoliate!

To get the most out of your moisturiser you should exfoliate on a regular basis. Once any dead skin cells are cleared away, the moisturiser is able to penetrate the skin with greater results. Dead skin cells are shed from the body naturally in a process called desquamation. The human skin produces about one million skin cells per minute, which equates to over five billion skin cells per day. The dead cells have an internal clock that tells them when they can travel up to the skin’s surface to be sloughed off. However, a build-up of dead cells on the surface can result in dull, ashy or lackluster skin. Choosing the proper exfoliating product is vital to achieving polished results without any irritation. There are many ways your skin can be exfoliated, from brushes and scrubs to enzymes and acids.

Some exfoliants can be particularly irritating during the winter months, so test them on a small patch of skin first or opt for a gentler technique. Very dry or irritated skin should be allowed to heal before any form of exfoliation is performed to avoid sensitization. If scrubs are too harsh for dry, winter skin, opt for chemical methods that gently dissolve the bonds holding skin cells together, like Dermalogica's Gentle Cream Exfoliant. Hydroxy acids are a popular option and include Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid. Lactic Acid has additional beneficial properties, such as increased moisturisation and greater barrier protection. Salicylic Acid is a great addition for acneic skin with the added bonus of being anti-inflammatory. Enzymes from Papaya, Pineapple and Rice Bran are also great methods to promote skin renewal. The Phytic Acid found in Rice Bran can also help control pigmentation to yield a brighter skin tone as used in Daily Microfoliant.

A good exfoliation can ease the effects of winter skin when done properly and combined with a good moisturising routine!