Exfoliation might sound like a very modern form of skin treatment, but it is a process that goes back at least as far as the ancient Egyptians, and most cultures have developed their own ways of removing their dead skin cells that cause such consternation to the beauty-conscious person. Botanists will think of a completely different thing when they hear the word exfoliation, as it has the same root as the world foliage and means the removal of leaves or bark from plants. But in essence, there is not much difference between the two processes – it is the removal of parts of the organism that are surplus to requirement.

There is nothing at all unnatural about getting a layer of dead skin on you; it is merely part of the process of growth, healing and regeneration that our skin goes through all our lives. For the most part it would just fall off in its own good time, but that means that we would be carrying it around with us until then. Unfortunately the dead skin acts like a dull mask, hiding the fresh, lively and smooth new skin underneath it. And simply washing with soap and water will not shift all of it – it can be stubborn stuff.

There are two ways of removing dead skin cells: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical means are not half as dangerous as they might sound, and usually involve some kind of abrasive material to scrape away the dead skin. Essentially it is sandpaper, and while sandpapering your face might not seem like a wise thing to do, bear in mind that it is a very mild grade, nothing like the stuff you strip varnish off a chair with. While this can be a reasonably effective way of shifting the skin (and you will see the cells on the paper itself), it will not get deep into the natural undulations in the face, and there is the risk that you will create smaller fragments of dead skin that will get stuck in your pores and cause blackheads and spots.

Chemical exfoliation is a much more thorough process. It can be carried out professionally in a skin care clinic or you can buy a product for use at home, and there is obviously a big difference in price between the two approaches. But because the treatment is based on a liquid application it gets in all the nooks and crannies and can clear away the flakes that just don’t want to let go, leaving you with a visibly smoother and more radiant complexion.

Importantly, this type of exfoliating gets into the pores, where dead skin cells might already be lurking, waiting to cause a blockage and an outbreak. Nowadays there is no reason to have that tell-tale unexfoliated look on your face, as treatments are freely available, and the good ones work a treat. You’ll probably find a facial peel to be part of the treatment at a beauty spa, but even if you do it in your bathroom it’s a habit you won’t regret getting into.

In addition to product reviews Sally advises on skin care techniques such as skin exfoliation and moisturising. The increasing number of skin care stores makes Sally\’s information useful to a growing number of people.

In addition to product reviews Sally advises on skin care techniques such as exfoliating and moisturising. The increasing number of skin care stores like http://www.skincare-online.com/ make Sally\’s information useful to a growing number of people.

Author Bio: In addition to product reviews Sally advises on skin care techniques such as skin exfoliation and moisturising. The increasing number of skin care stores makes Sally\’s information useful to a growing number of people.

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