Exfoliation is considered one of the most important techniques that you can perform on your skin to achieve healthy and glowing skin. Before you consider pricey and invasive lasers, chemical peels, or injections, I highly suggest that you consider simply exfoliating your skin.
Here are 5 signs that exfoliating more may be your secret to younger, more resilient-looking skin:
1.) Do the tape test.
A simple test you can do at home to see if you have dead, dry skin cells on your skin is to take the ViaBuff Tape Test. Simply take a standard piece of clear tape, about 3-4 inches in length, and apply it to the forearm. Rub it gently for 2-3 seconds, then remove. Look at the tape. If there are flecks of dry, flaky skin, then you need to exfoliate!
2.) Use a magnifying mirror or magnifying glass to look for clogged pores.
Many people mistakenly think that clogged pores are the result of acne-prone or oily skin. But people with all skin types, from very dry to very oily, can get clogged pores.
Contrary to popular belief, clogged pores are blackheads, small whiteheads, and little, clogged bumps on the skin. They can be caused by an excess of oil production or increased cellular turnover (cellular renewal) without proper, even exfoliation. The more you remove surface dry skin cells (usually caused by using harsh, drying products), the less oil will stay trapped and congested in the pores.
3.) You still have acne scars from decades ago.
Acne may result in red, dark marks, or thin, colorless scars that are “deep” in your skin that remain on the skin long after the breakout has healed. Many people think that these kinds of scars are normal, but the truth of the matter is, your skin renews cells every 21 days when you are young. Studies show that moisturization can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars (International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012). There is no reason that you should have acne scars from decades ago unless you are not exfoliating and moisturizing enough.
The more you remove the surface damaged cells, the more you are ridding the skin of the dark marks or deep scars, and encouraging the formation of new healthy (non-scarred) skin cells. The result is more even-toned skin with less scarring.
4.) Your skin looks dull and feels dry to the touch.
If your skin is dull, lackluster, and feels dry to the touch, then it may be time to slough off dead skin cells.
By exfoliating with the right exfoliator, you can remove dead, dry skin cells from the surface of your skin. This immediately helps for the skin to be more smooth and even-toned, reflecting the light better. It also signals to your skin receptors that your skin is thinner, and hence stimulates faster skin cell renewal. The result? Your skin looks more healthy and regenerates faster — a win-win situation!
5.) Your skin care products are no longer working.
Many people think that their skin care products lose efficacy over time. While this may be the case for certain anti-acne regimens, in which bacteria are able to acquire resistance to some of the treatments over time, this resistance case does not generally apply to treatments for fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, hyperpigmentation, and very dry or very oily skin.
Instead, what generally happens is that skin cells have built up on your skin, preventing agents from reaching deep within your skin cells. By using physical exfoliants, you can loosen up the oils and proteins that clog skin cells and keep them stuck together, and allow the skin to “breathe” and break free. As an added bonus, exfoliants can also cleanse the skin more effectively than cleansing agents alone, allowing your skin to function more naturally.
In Summary
If you question whether or not you need to exfoliate, try the ViaBuff tape test, examine the surface of your skin for clogged pores, dryness or roughness, and consider whether or not your skin care products are still working. If you have any of these signs, you may need to exfoliate more. We recommend trying the ViaBuff for face and body, with four custom exfoliation levels designed for an array of skin types and concerns. Best of all, the ViaBuff can be used with your existing skin care and exfoliation products, and you will find the ViaBuff only increases the efficacy of your existing regimen (as most of our customers have)!