What is skin exfoliation?

Your skin continually renews itself. New cells are formed in the basal layer; these cells are pushed to the surface as newer ones form underneath. Exfoliation is the process whereby skin cells that have died off upon reaching the skin's outer layer are sloughed off. It is a natural part of skin renewal.

The removal of these layers of dead skin cells, which form a barrier on top of healthy, live skin, and obstruct the pores, ducts and follicles of the skin, often requires assistance as the skin itself is unable to do the process efficiently. This inability results in many skin problems. The reasons for this inability of the skin to slough off dead cells efficiently are numerous, as many human activities interfere with the body's natural processes. The use of makeup, perfume, pollution, stress, diet and improperly formulated skin care products are but a few of the causes.

There are two methods of exfoliation, mechanical and chemical, of these two Nancy K. Brown advocates the use of the chemical form of exfoliation, specifically with the use of Glycolic. Nancy K. Brown's unique blend of Glycolic and Aloe Vera, called Aloe Exfoliant^®, is an industry leader.

Chemical vs. Mechanical Exfoliation:
The mechanical exfoliation is not as efficient or thorough as chemical exfoliation. Scrubs, loofahs, etc., only perform a superficial surface removal of dead skin, they are unable to remove dead skin cells, dirt and debris from the pores, ducts and follicles. As a result they clog the skin and lead to many skin problems.

Mechanical exfoliation in reality is only half an exfoliation, failing to assist the most important areas of the skin. Mechanical exfoliants may also cause some undesired side effects, such as irritation, bruising and tearing of the skin.

Chemical exfoliation gives a much more complete removal of dead skin cells, not only removing them from the surface, but also from within the pores, ducts and follicles of the skin. Chemical exfoliants do not cause bruising or tearing of the skin and if used properly should not irritate.

Glycolic Acid, of all the products available for chemical exfoliation (peels), is the most effective and efficient, for its benefits are not limited to exfoliation alone.