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Skin polishing is simply a special type of exfoliation technique. Exfoliation is a process that removes the dead cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin. It thus allows new, healthy cells to come to the surface, which makes the skin look smooth, soft, and glowing. Exfoliation is a major part of any facial, and is also used in other beauty treatments. A simple form of exfoliation is using a loofah when you bathe - the rough surface of the loofah helps loosen and scrape of the dead skin cells all over the body. Similarly, people use brushes, sponges, and pumice stones to exfoliate their skin. Typically, for delicate, thin, and sensitive skin such as that of the face, people use exfoliants that are finer and less rough. It is completely safe to use a pumice stone on your feet, which has thick skin and accumulates a lot of dead skin on the soles. If your skin is not too sensitive and if your stone is not too rough, you can also use it on your knees, elbows and other parts of your body that have thick or scaly skin,
Exfoliation can be either mechanical or chemical. The techniques just mentioned are mechanical - the loofah or pumice stone has an abrasive surface, and the scrubbing action physically removes the dead cells that are on the surface of the skin. Most facial scrubs that are commercially sold are also mechanical exfoliants - they contain fine, rough substances such as micro beads, crystals, or crushed shells (usually apricot shells) mixed with some gel like solution. Home remedies that use substances such as rice flower or salt work in a similar manner. (You should remember to avoid facial scrubs that contain micro beads, as these beads are usually made of plastic, and they pass through our sewage system to eventually reach the sea, where they cause a lot of environmental damage.) Chemical exfoliants work by causing a chemical reaction that loosens the dead cells, thus helping them fall away. Salicylic acid is a common exfoliant, as is citric acid. Mild chemical exfoliants are usually available over the counter, but stronger ones are available only on prescription or may be only applied in person by a doctor.
Skin polishing typically uses special ingredients that attempt to get a more even effect all over the skin, and may combine both types of exfoliation. For example, it may use special crystals, which will be followed by a chemical exfoliant. In addition, there will often be some kind of moisturization and toning performed as part of the procedure.
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