JAMO magazine January 2019/ 49 Issue | Page 42

JAMO BEAUTY The Do’s and Dont’s of Exfoliating, Based on Your Skin Type If you’ve ever dreamed of velvety soft skin, exfoliators are here to help. Ex- foliation, or the act of removing the dead skin cells from the outermost sur- face of the skin, can be achieved two ways: You can exfoliate by physically scrubbing away the dead skin cells with facial brushes, microdermabra- sion, washcloths, and grain-based scrubs. You can also chemically exfoli- ate with products that dissolve dead skin cells.Chemical-based exfoliators have similar compounds to chemical peel ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid or salicylic acid—all of which work to gently dissolve the dead skin cells. Mechanical or chemical exfoliation of your skin removes the dead skin layer increasing the penetration of other products that you place on the skin surface and enhances their absorption into the skin. In addition, because you are removing the dull, dead skin cells it helps to make your skin look brighter and more radiant. Exfoliation is an easy and necessary step to achieving baby-like skin. Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology, broke down the specifics of exfoliation 101. Ahead you’ll find what to look for in an exfoliator depend- ing on your skin type and a few product suggestions to begin your new skin journey. January2019 - 49 ISSUE