Have you ever wondered why skin needs to be exfoliated? If yes, then this blog is to explore skin and the need to exfoliate the skin. Here in this blog, we shall discuss skin, exfoliation, the importance to exfoliate the skin, when to exfoliate the skin, how to find the best exfoliator for your skin, what are the safe herbs for exfoliating, Home remedies for skin exfoliation, effects of using regular chemical-based exfoliators, why consider herbs for exfoliating, what are the safe alternative for skin exfoliation and why consider Herbceince?

What is skin?

Skin is your largest organ, and taking care of it can have a major impact on skin nourishment and improved blood circulation to the skin. One of the most important things you can do to keep your skin healthy is to exfoliate.

What is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the technique to remove dead skin cells that build up on your skin and cause breakouts, wrinkles, uneven tone, and dullness. Exfoliation also stimulates the production of natural oils like sebum that moisturize and nourish the skin. It can help reduce dark spots caused by sun damage or acne scars. Also, exfoliation is crucial for getting rid of oil build-up from your skin products from clogging your pores or causing blackheads or white bumps.

Exfoliation is any process that takes off the top layers of skin cells before they come off naturally. Some people find that the top layers of skin look dull or dry and removing them improves their skin nourishment and glow.

What are the benefits of exfoliation?

  • Exfoliation is a key part of any skincare routine.
  • Exfoliation removes old skin cells and boosts the growth of healthy new ones. 
  • Also helps to disinfect your skin, especially if you have acne-prone skin.

How often should you exfoliate?

The frequency of skin exfoliation depends on your skin type. 

  • If your skin is oily, it is advisable to exfoliate every alternate day
  • If the skin is dry, it is advisable to exfoliate twice a week.
  • If your skin is normal then exfoliate your skin at least three times a week. 
  • If you regularly use heavy cosmetics on your skin then it is mandatory you exfoliate your skin every alternate day

 What are the types of exfoliation? 

Exfoliating scrubs:

If your skin is oily, then scrub is the go-to for your skin, because they help purify your pores and get rid of excess oil that can lead to breakouts.

Microdermabrasion:

This is a mild scrub using scrub instruments until dead cells are completely removed or exfoliated. This will result in bright-toned skin. This comes with minor side effects like redness of skin or skin tightening, and bruising and this is contra-indicated for sensitive skins.  

Chemical exfoliants:

Chemical exfoliants are faster than natural exfoliators. They dissolve the dead cells on the skin during the procedure.  Due to the penetrating property of the chemicals into the skin, chemicals are prone to cause side effects. Few chemicals are also known to cause lifetime health hazards. 

How to find the best exfoliator for your skin type?

It’s very important to find the exfoliator for your skin type.

Sensitive skin: Avoid ingredients that will be harsh on the skin like salt or sugar. Instead, include mild and gentle ingredients like oatmeal, lavender, and rose petals.

Normal skin: Include gel-based products. This will help balance out the oil production and dryness on your face.

Home remedies for natural skin exfoliation:

  • Make a semi-solid paste of coffee powder and lemon juice. Slowly scrub in a circular motion around the face and neck for 10 min. Let it dry and wash with warm water. Tap the face with a clean towel.  Coffee is rich in antioxidants and minerals that help improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the skin.
  • Mix two teaspoons of cinnamon with sufficient honey to make a semi-solid paste and apply to your face and neck with a slow stroke of massage for about 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. The cinnamon will act as an effective exfoliating agent while the honey will moisturize your skin and keep it soft. Cinnamon not only helps you scrub away dead skin cells, but it also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which help fight off infection.
  • Simply massage some tomato with olive oil into your skin for about 10 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. Tomato contains enzymes that help fight wrinkles and other aging signs. It also contains plenty of vitamins and antioxidants which will leave your skin soft and radiant. 
  • Make a paste of honey with powdered salt and mild massage around your face and neck for 10 min and rinse with warm water. Honey is a natural, all-purpose exfoliator. It’s ideal for those with sensitive skin. Using honey as an all-purpose exfoliator will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and free of blemishes and blackheads. Honey can also help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

Why avoid chemical-based exfoliators?


As mentioned in types of exfoliators, chemical exfoliation is faster in dealing with dead cells exfoliation, but this comes with side effects. Let us glance at the common chemicals used in the form of preservatives or saponins in regular exfoliating face wash and face packs.


Product

Chemical in the Product

Labeled 

on the Product

Health hazard on usage

Face Wash

Artificial color

Brilliant blue, Tartrazine, FCF

Eye irritation, 

skin irritation

Face Wash

Ethanolamine compounds

DEA, TEA

Cancer, Organ Toxicity

Face Pack

Phenoxyethanol

Fragrance

Cancer

Face Pack

Triethylene glycol

TEG

Skin Irritation

Face Pack

Triethanolamine 

TEA

Cancer, Organ toxicity

Face Pack

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

SLS

Cancer, Organ toxicity, Eye irritation, skin irritation


Therefore it is wise to choose natural herbs to exfoliate the skin, in place of chemical-based exfoliators

What are the safe herbs for exfoliation?

Herbs like Lemongrass1, Usheera2, Aloe vera3, and natural saponins are the exfoliating herbs suitable for removing dead cells from the skin and nourishing skin to improve circulation. They are known for removing dead cells naturally, deep cleansing the skin, and nourishing, and brightening skin tone. These herbs are enriched with nutrients like Vitamin-A, Vitamin-C, Vitamin-E, Biotin, amino acids, omega-3 Fatty acids, and minerals that exfoliate skin naturally.

How do herbs help in exfoliation?

Herbal Phyto-components that are known for skin exfoliation are entitled to remove dead cells from the skin, deep cleansing of the skin, smoothen skin, and improves skin complexion, with the anti-wrinkle property. Fatty acids like oleic acid, Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid, and stearic acid are found abundant in herbs like shea butter, lemon grass, usheera, aloe vera, and glycerin which help in skin lightening and maintaining moisture in the skin.


Phyto- components like Curcuminoids, Anthraquinone, Kojic acid, and Purpurin inhibits the action of Tyrosine, in turn promoting skin lightening. Saponins present in the herbs provide deep cleansing to remove dead cells along with Shea butter, aloe vera, and glycerine provide skin hydration and fatty acids like lauric, Myristic, omega 3 & Omega 6 provide moisture to the skin.

What are the safe alternatives? 

Deep Cleansing by Herbcience Revitalizing Pro-Collagen Face Wash

Benefits:

  • Deep cleansing
  • Skin conditioning 
  • Anti-wrinkle 

Herbal deep Cleanser: Herbcience Revitalizing Pro-Collagen Face Wash  

Benefits

  • Deep cleansing
  • Skin conditioning
  • Anti-acne

Why choose Herbcience?

Herbcience is a 100% transparent brand and all the products are developed by doctors, with the fresh extractions of herbs. They are 100% Natural certified by ECOCERT - COSMOS Natural, a European Standard, AYUSH, Govt. of India, and compliant with MADE SAFE, USA.

Conclusion

Therefore it is wise to conclude that, if you want to exfoliate your skin, first you need to understand your skin type and select the suitable exfoliator for your skin type to avoid adverse effects from exfoliators. Consider using chemical-free Herbcience face wash and Face pack in place of chemical-based exfoliators. Herbcience face wash and Face pack are suitable for all types of skin from normal to oily to dry skin. Also suitable for chemically treated skin.

Reference

  1. Lemon Grass: Lemon grass: https://www.healthline.com/health/lemongrass-essential-oil
  2. Usheera: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysopogon_zizanioides 
  3. Aloe vera: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/aloe-vera-for-face

Frequently asked questions:

1. How to remove dead cells naturally?

    Use Herbcience Natural Glow Pro-Collagen Face pack regularly to remove dead cells.


2. How can I exfoliate my skin every day?

    To exfoliate your skin every day use Herbcience Revitalizing Pro-Collagen Face Wash.


3. How to exfoliate my skin at home?

    A simple scrub with tomato paste and olive oil will exfoliate your skin.