Can Exfoliating Help Remove Pigmentation? – The skin has a natural tendency of forming new cells by removing the dead skin cells. Exfoliation removes the dead cells from the skin’s upper surface, improving its glow and elasticity. Gentle exfoliation can enhance skin tone by opening the clogged pores filled with oil or dust particles.
However, the American Academy of Dermatology Association states that improper or harsh exfoliation can damage your skin. Keep reading to know whether exfoliation helps remove pigmentation.
Why Exfoliate for Pigmentation?
The ideal time for the generation of new skin cells is around 30 days. The turnover cycle extends with age, so your skin takes around 40 or sometimes more than 70 days to produce new cells. So, the layers of dead skin cells keep accumulating on the skin during this time. That’s why exfoliation is performed to remove the layer of dead skin cells and pigmented spots on the skin.
How Exfoliation Works to Remove Pigmentation?
Exfoliation helps to break the excessive melanin pigment in the skin. Melanin can increase the production of collagen protein that promotes skin elasticity and fades the pigmented spots.
Physical or mechanical exfoliants use coarse particles or granules to fade the dark spots. The most common physical forms of exfoliants are cleansing scrubs, loofahs, pumice stones, or brushes. However, don’t be hard on your skin as improper or harsh exfoliation irritates the sensitive skin and can cause inflammation or sometimes bruising.
Chemical exfoliants help resurface the dead skin cells of the face, neck, or any pigmented skin area. Unlike physical exfoliants, chemical exfoliants work on the targeted deeper layers of the pigmented skin. It dissolves the bonding in dead skin cells; thus, it sheds itself.
Some of the best chemical exfoliants are:
- Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and inhibits the production of excess melanin; thus, helping to lighten the skin tone.
- Glycolic acid rejuvenates the skin by replacing the topmost dead skin cells with new cells.
- Retinol– a derivative of vitamin A, helps to reduce oxidative stress by eliminating the free radicals. So, you can use it to reduce the wrinkles, acne, fine lines, and aging effects on the skin.
- Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids are considered effective ingredients for deep exfoliation. They can moisturize the skin, lighten the skin tone, and prevent aging and wrinkles.
Benefits of Exfoliation for Pigmented Skin
Improves Skin Texture and Tone
Exfoliation improves the skin texture and tone by encouraging skin cell turnover. That’s why your skin becomes more uniform over time. It makes your skin softer and look younger by making skin capable of retaining a good quantity of moisture.
Stimulates Collagen Production
Regular exfoliation stimulates collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and glow. Consequently, the anti-aging properties of collagen help to rejuvenate the skin and prevent pigmentation.
Deep Cleansing
Unclogging the pores filled with excessive oil is the primary role of exfoliation. Deep cleansing of each cell helps to improve your complexion and prevent blemishes. Moreover, the chances of developing whiteheads and blackheads also decrease.
Better Blood Circulation
Mild exfoliation can increase the blood flow in each cell of the skin. Consequently, it helps to nourish the skin cells by providing enough oxygen and nutrient content. Exfoliation can also prevent the damage of free radicals to the skin, thus eliminating the chances of pigmentation or acne.
