Slough & Steady

From clearing grime build-up to helping rid dead cells, exfoliation can work wonders on your skin, even more so in the winters. SURINA SAYAL talks to dermatologists to decode the how, when and why of exfoliation.

We all know that the skin is a vital part of our anatomy as its tissues protect our muscles, bones, and internal organs from direct exposure; but what many don’t know is that to keep up with its 24x7 job of protecting our body, our skin has to constantly go through a life cycle — a process of renewal and rejuvenation.

Skin cell turnover is the rate at which our skin produces new cells. These travel from the lowest layer of the epidermis to the top layer, die and then shed off to reveal healthier, younger skin. Due to a variety of reasons, our cell renewal factor slows down, which leads to an unnecessary accumulation of dead skin, and this is where exfoliation comes in.

Why exfoliate?

Exfoliation aids in clearing clogged pores and getting rid of dead skin cells. Dr. Madhuri Agarwal, Founder and Medical Director of Yavana Aesthetic Clinic, says, “According to our usual skin cycle, we generally shed dead cells of old skin on a regular basis, but in case the skin functioning is not normal due to various reasons, such as an unhealthy lifestyle, continuous travel, pollution, changing climate, health problems, etc., the dead cells pile up on the surface of the skin and are not shed regularly.”

Age is an important factor as well. She adds, “With age too, the cell turnover slows down and the dead cells are not shed properly. Due to this, the skin appears dull, dry and dark. A regular exfoliation routine helps remove the dead cells and makes the skin more healthy, hydrated and smooth. Hence it is essential to have exfoliation in a skincare regime.”