Exfoliation

Mechanical exfoliants include such techniques as scrubbing the surface of the skin with microdermamttis, using lotions or creams containing micro-beads or concoctions (home made or store bought) made of natural exfoliating ingredients such as crushed almond shells, sugar or crystals. Natural abrasive materials from nature also fall into the category or mechanical exfoliants including loofahs and pumice.

Chemical forms of exfoliant are usually commercially prepared creams or lotions that contain substances such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, malic acid and fruit enzymes. A dermatologist can apply high concentrations of these and low concentrations can be applied in over the counter products. Commercially these products are advertised as containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Sometimes these products also contain enzymes that act to loosen the matrix of dead cells that might be dulling the complexion so that new skin cells can grow in their place.