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The process of removing old and dead skin is called exfoliation. This is a technique that has been used for hundreds of years to give the skin a more youthful and fresh appearance. Exfoliation techniques in the cosmetic world require the use of chemicals like salicylic acid and mechanically, using sponges and pumice.
The premise of exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells. As skin cells move from the lower portions of the dermis upwards, they accumulate keratin, which protects the body from outside elements. Eventually, these cells die and reach the epithelial layer where skin as we see it is formed. Uninterrupted, these dead cells will keep accumulating until the skin darkens and eventually wrinkles occur. What exfoliation does is to remove these dead cells from the skin and reveal a newer layer beneath.
You can perform an exfoliation at home. The basic ingredients required are an acidic medium, an abrasive substance, and a moisturizer. Before performing an exfoliation, ensure that the area you are about to work on is clean. Start by using the acidic medium which could be the handiest one around in your kitchen - citric acid from a lemon. Cut a lemon in half and rub in liberally in circles over the face. Acids break down and weaken the cellular walls of cells, thus making it easier for the abrasive to dislodge these cells from the skin. It is interesting to note that even wine can been used as an acidic medium due to the presence of tartaric acid in it. While this is also a good acidic medium to use, it is much costlier than using lemons. After using the acidic medium, the abrasive comes into play. Use a powdery, fine, grainy substance for this. An excellent abrasive is kitchen salt or even sugar. The abrasive must be rubbed over the skin in a circular motion - much like the circular motion of polishing a surface. Reapply, the salt or alternative abrasive as required. There is an additional benefit to this technique, the massaging action of rubbing stimulates blood circulation to the face and the elimination of dead cells clears the pathways for the pores of the skin. Finish off with a wash and moisturizer to prevent the new layer of skin from drying out.
Whenever you are not within easy reach of the required ingredients, over the counter products for exfoliation like facial scrubs are a great way to achieve the same results.
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