Exfoliating is an element of a skincare routine that everyone should do, especially for my fellow fume heads. Until recently, I never really paid attention to the benefits of exfoliation. I thought it was an overrated addition to a hygiene routine that I didn’t need. However, I can not stress enough how beneficial it is!
So what is exfoliation? Commonly exfoliants are physical. However, exfoliants can also be chemical. Despite the method, physical and chemical exfoliating both result in an array of benefits. Benefits that people looking to prolong the longevity of their fragrances should pay attention to. Exfoliation at its core is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.
Desquamation is the skin cells’ journey from the middle to the outer layer of your skin. This process runs on a 28-day cycle. Once skin cells reach the outer layer, they naturally shed and reveal new cells underneath. Being a natural process, desquamation slows down naturally with age. However, exfoliation accelerates desquamation. Therefore increasing cell renewal, resulting in brighter and smoother skin. Not only does exfoliation result in an improved appearance of your skin, but it also enhances topical product absorption. Perfect for anyone who wants to elevate their perfume application and longevity. Let’s look into the top 5 benefits of exfoliation, and how they can directly affect your perfume application.
Top 5 Benefits of Exfoliation:
- Removal of Dead Skin Cells
- Unclogging of Pores
- Enhances Product Absorption
- Improves Skin Texture and Tone
- Promotes Cell Regeneration
The Benefits of Exfoliating
Exfoliation helps to get rid of the dead cells on the outer layer of our skin. Removing dead skin cells can create a smoother and clearer base, increasing receptiveness to topical products such as lotions and body oils. Greater absorption of such products, results in moisturised skin and a prepped base. Creating a solid foundation to apply and layer your fragrances on, with a higher likelihood of lasting for hours.
Finding a good body scrub and a good moisturiser works hand in hand. Both can be great individually, but utilising both together can improve the appearance of your skin, and its ability to absorb and maintain moisture. With the removal of dead skin cells, comes the unclogging of your pores. Leaving your skin free from any dirt, oils, and build-up. Again this results in improved product absorption.
Pores are tiny openings in the skin that allow sweat, oil, and dead skin cells to escape. When these pores are clogged, it can lead to acne. A buildup of dirt, oil, or dead skin cells can lead to clogged pores, a condition easily avoided through regular exfoliation resulting in the unclogging of pores. Most of the time, clogged pores are present on our faces. However, with pores being everywhere on our bodies, clogged pores can occur anywhere.
As mentioned, regular exfoliation aids in improving skin texture and tone. Thanks to the increase in cell renewal due to the ‘aided desquamation’ facilitated through routine exfoliating. Making exfoliation part of your routine can prevent a variety of skin conditions. Long-term exfoliation is amazing for glowing and vibrant skin due to higher collagen production. Collagen is paramount in strengthening your skin and playing a role in elasticity and hydration. Similarly to the slowing down of desquamation, as you age your body produces less collagen. A reduction in collagen leads to your skin aging with the formation of wrinkles and sagging. Moreover, there will be a reduction in your skin’s elasticity causing your skin to be more susceptible to damage.
Exfoliation Frequency
With the benefits mentioned, they beg the question, ‘How often should I be exfoliating?’. There isn’t one answer that fits all. The frequency of exfoliation is dependent on your skin type and the type of exfoliant you’re using. If you are using a more coarse exfoliant then I would suggest the recommended once or twice a week. However, if you’re using a gentle body scrub due to its finer composition you can get away with exfoliating more frequently.
