What Is Exfoliation & Is It A Necessary Measure For Long-Term Skin Health?
5 min read
THE ONESKIN TEAM
August 14,2022
SKIN CARE, SKIN SCIENCE
What Is Exfoliation & Is It A Necessary Measure For Long-Term Skin Health?
5 min read
THE ONESKIN TEAM
August 14,2022
SKIN CARE, SKIN SCIENCE
Adequately caring for your skin requires more than washing your face or using a daily peptide moisturizer. Maintaining optimal skin health also includes proper sun protection, consuming the right nutrients through a nutritious diet, and for many, regular exfoliation. Exfoliating your skin removes dead skin cells, uncovers newer skin cells, and improves how well products penetrate the skin.
Adequately caring for your skin requires more than washing your face or using a daily peptide moisturizer. Maintaining optimal skin health also includes proper sun protection, consuming the right nutrients through a nutritious diet, and for many, regular exfoliation. Exfoliating your skin removes dead skin cells, uncovers newer skin cells, and improves how well products penetrate the skin.
01
What does it mean to exfoliate your skin?
Skin continually renews itself, but sometimes it needs a little help. That’s where exfoliation comes in. The epidermis consists of layer after layer of skin cells. Every 28 days, skin obtains a new outer layer of cells, with the topmost layer sloughing off and the other layers below rising to replace the cell above them. This progression of cells moving toward the surface means that the upper layers consist of older cells, while the lower layers consist of newer ones. Although the cells at the surface eventually fall off naturally, physical exfoliation helps speed up the process – uncovering fresher and healthier skin. [1]
01
What does it mean to exfoliate your skin?
Skin continually renews itself, but sometimes it needs a little help. That’s where exfoliation comes in. The epidermis consists of layer after layer of skin cells. Every 28 days, skin obtains a new outer layer of cells, with the topmost layer sloughing off and the other layers below rising to replace the cell above them. This progression of cells moving toward the surface means that the upper layers consist of older cells, while the lower layers consist of newer ones. Although the cells at the surface eventually fall off naturally, physical exfoliation helps speed up the process – uncovering fresher and healthier skin. [1]
02
Does the skin constantly renew itself?
The uppermost layer is called the stratum corneum, which is the visible outer layer of skin. More rigid than most cells, the skin cells that form the stratum corneum are high in keratin. Keratin is a hard protein that gives skin cells their strength and structure. Within the stratum corneum are even more layers, each getting successively harder, flatter, and dryer with more keratin content as they reach the surface. Lower layers are closer to a nutrient-rich blood supply, therefore remaining alive and softer. The closer to the surface skin cells accumulate, the fewer nutrients they receive and the more rigid they become.At the very top layer of the stratum corneum, called the stratum lucidum, lay all the skin cells that have flattened and died. These cells eventually slough away naturally to reveal the younger cells underneath. Sometimes, however, the body needs help removing these skin cells, as they can stick to the surface tightly. This is where exfoliation comes in handy. [1]
02
Does the skin constantly renew itself?
The uppermost layer is called the stratum corneum, which is the visible outer layer of skin. More rigid than most cells, the skin cells that form the stratum corneum are high in keratin. Keratin is a hard protein that gives skin cells their strength and structure. Within the stratum corneum are even more layers, each getting successively harder, flatter, and dryer with more keratin content as they reach the surface. Lower layers are closer to a nutrient-rich blood supply, therefore remaining alive and softer. The closer to the surface skin cells accumulate, the fewer nutrients they receive and the more rigid they become.At the very top layer of the stratum corneum, called the stratum lucidum, lay all the skin cells that have flattened and died. These cells eventually slough away naturally to reveal the younger cells underneath. Sometimes, however, the body needs help removing these skin cells, as they can stick to the surface tightly. This is where exfoliation comes in handy. [1]
03
What is exfoliation?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), exfoliation removes the dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin before they naturally fall off. Although there are benefits to exfoliation, it’s a delicate balance. Exfoliation can harm the skin if performed too aggressively or too often. You need enough dead skin cells to protect the more fragile skin cells below, but an excess of dead cells turns skin dull and clogs pores. [2]
03
What is exfoliation?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), exfoliation removes the dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin before they naturally fall off. Although there are benefits to exfoliation, it’s a delicate balance. Exfoliation can harm the skin if performed too aggressively or too often. You need enough dead skin cells to protect the more fragile skin cells below, but an excess of dead cells turns skin dull and clogs pores. [2]
04
Is exfoliation actually good for your skin?
Regular exfoliation can improve the health and appearance of your skin, allowing newer skin cells space to thrive and making the appearance of skin brighter and smoother. Removing stagnant and dead skin cells:
- Allows newer cells to come to the surface.
- Improve the delivery and penetration of your skin care products.
- Boosts collagen production
04
Is exfoliation actually good for your skin?
Regular exfoliation can improve the health and appearance of your skin, allowing newer skin cells space to thrive and making the appearance of skin brighter and smoother. Removing stagnant and dead skin cells:
- Allows newer cells to come to the surface.
- Improve the delivery and penetration of your skin care products.
- Boosts collagen production
05
What are the different types of exfoliation?
There are two primary ways to exfoliate your skin:
- Mechanical exfoliation
- Chemical exfoliation
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic Acidosis
- Malic acid
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
- Salicylic acid
- Beta-hydroxy hydroxy acid
05
What are the different types of exfoliation?
There are two primary ways to exfoliate your skin:
- Mechanical exfoliation
- Chemical exfoliation
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic Acidosis
- Malic acid
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
- Salicylic acid
- Beta-hydroxy hydroxy acid
06
How do you safely exfoliate your skin?
When introducing exfoliation into your skin care regimen, it’s best to start off slow and gentle, allowing your skin an adjustment period and ensuring no harm is done. [4]Below are a few examples of tools and techniques you can use to safely exfoliate your skin.Mechanical Exfoliation Methods
- Exfoliation sponge: Less abrasive than other methods, an exfoliation sponge can be used in the shower or bath while cleansing the skin.
- Exfoliating brush: An exfoliation brush’s bristles slough away dead skin cells on dry or wet skin. [3]
- Exfoliating scrub: Scrubs often come in the form of cleansers with small, gritty particles that remove dead skin cells through abrasion. Although effective, scrubs have a higher risk of irritating or injuring the skin, especially if used too frequently. [3]
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs work by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells onto other skin cells, allowing dead skin cells to fall away without harming healthy cells. [3]
- Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs): Beta hydroxy and salicylic acid are the two most common examples of BHAs. These acids are ideal for blemish-prone or sensitive skin. [3]
06
How do you safely exfoliate your skin?
When introducing exfoliation into your skin care regimen, it’s best to start off slow and gentle, allowing your skin an adjustment period and ensuring no harm is done. [4]Below are a few examples of tools and techniques you can use to safely exfoliate your skin.Mechanical Exfoliation Methods
- Exfoliation sponge: Less abrasive than other methods, an exfoliation sponge can be used in the shower or bath while cleansing the skin.
- Exfoliating brush: An exfoliation brush’s bristles slough away dead skin cells on dry or wet skin. [3]
- Exfoliating scrub: Scrubs often come in the form of cleansers with small, gritty particles that remove dead skin cells through abrasion. Although effective, scrubs have a higher risk of irritating or injuring the skin, especially if used too frequently. [3]
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs work by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells onto other skin cells, allowing dead skin cells to fall away without harming healthy cells. [3]
- Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs): Beta hydroxy and salicylic acid are the two most common examples of BHAs. These acids are ideal for blemish-prone or sensitive skin. [3]
07
How often should you exfoliate your skin?
Skin sheds approximately 500 million cells per day from your body and face.4 Without assistance from exfoliation, those dead cells can build up quickly. Exfoliating 2-3 times a week is sufficient for most people to keep skin looking fresh without causing undue harm. People with sensitive or dry skin may start once a week and slowly work up to a frequency that their skin tolerates. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when exfoliating by starting slow and gentle.
07
How often should you exfoliate your skin?
Skin sheds approximately 500 million cells per day from your body and face.4 Without assistance from exfoliation, those dead cells can build up quickly. Exfoliating 2-3 times a week is sufficient for most people to keep skin looking fresh without causing undue harm. People with sensitive or dry skin may start once a week and slowly work up to a frequency that their skin tolerates. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when exfoliating by starting slow and gentle.
08
What happens if you exfoliate too often?
Ironically, some signs of excessive exfoliation are the same as dead skin buildup.
- Dry skin
- Oily skin
- Peeling
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Rashes
- Increased sensitivity
08
What happens if you exfoliate too often?
Ironically, some signs of excessive exfoliation are the same as dead skin buildup.
- Dry skin
- Oily skin
- Peeling
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Rashes
- Increased sensitivity
09
Is exfoliation necessary for all skin types?
Most skin types can benefit from skin exfoliation. However, some skin types may require less frequent exfoliation than others. People with very sensitive skin, with medical issues that impact their skin health, or who have acne-prone skin should consult their dermatologist before incorporating exfoliation into their skin care regimen. [5]
09
Is exfoliation necessary for all skin types?
Most skin types can benefit from skin exfoliation. However, some skin types may require less frequent exfoliation than others. People with very sensitive skin, with medical issues that impact their skin health, or who have acne-prone skin should consult their dermatologist before incorporating exfoliation into their skin care regimen. [5]
10
Exfoliation and OS-01: A Powerful Combo
Once the skin is exfoliated, it’s important to expose the new skin cells to ingredients that promote skin health and build a strong skin barrier. One such ingredient is OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide. The OS-01 peptide has been scientifically proven to improve skin health by:
- Increasing skin’s epidermal thickness. [6,7]
- Aiding in cellular repair. [6,7]
- Boosting skin barrier function. [6,7,8]
10
Exfoliation and OS-01: A Powerful Combo
Once the skin is exfoliated, it’s important to expose the new skin cells to ingredients that promote skin health and build a strong skin barrier. One such ingredient is OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide. The OS-01 peptide has been scientifically proven to improve skin health by:
- Increasing skin’s epidermal thickness. [6,7]
- Aiding in cellular repair. [6,7]
- Boosting skin barrier function. [6,7,8]
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Key Takeaways:
- Exfoliation can boost skin health for most people, if done correctly.
- You can exfoliate through mechanical or chemical exfoliation, though mechanical exfoliation has a higher risk of damaging skin.
- Exfoliating excessively can injure skin cells and cause more harm than good—practice moderation.
- If you’re unsure, start by using a cleanser vs an exfoliator.
- Incorporating exfoliation into your skincare routine allows skin care ingredients, like OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide, to penetrate into deeper skin layers, thus ensuring an effective skin care regimen.
Key Takeaways:
- Exfoliation can boost skin health for most people, if done correctly.
- You can exfoliate through mechanical or chemical exfoliation, though mechanical exfoliation has a higher risk of damaging skin.
- Exfoliating excessively can injure skin cells and cause more harm than good—practice moderation.
- If you’re unsure, start by using a cleanser vs an exfoliator.
- Incorporating exfoliation into your skincare routine allows skin care ingredients, like OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide, to penetrate into deeper skin layers, thus ensuring an effective skin care regimen.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470464/
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5172479/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320435
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4720453/
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-023-00109-1
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.16242
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470464/
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5172479/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320435
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4720453/
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-023-00109-1
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.16242
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.