What is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is a cosmetic technique aimed at removing dead skin cells that cling to the skin's outermost surface (epidermis).
http://www.nlm.nih.gov

If done correctly, it leaves the skin feeling smoother and fresher, also it prepares the skin to absorb in a better way any kind of substance you would like to apply like vitamins, revitalizing or regenerating lotions that will help improve your skin.

Our skin is constantly regenerating skin cells at the lower layer (dermis) and they then go to the surface (epidermis). As the cells rise to the surface, they gradually die and become filled with keratin.

The purpose of keratin is to protect our bodies from the environment. But they should constantly slough off to make way for younger cells, which doesn't occur to us KP'ers. Keratin build up or excess needs to be removed in order for our bodies to eliminate those bumps. This is why exfoliation is very important for us KP sufferers.

We have to be very careful when doing this because over-exfoliation can be harmful and our skin can dry out. That's why I always suggest moisturizing after wards...but the best moisturizing we have is our own, so don't over exfoliate!


There are two methods:

1)Mechanical Exfoliation: When you physically rub your skin with an abrasive. Examples of abrasives are: body scrubs homemade or store bought, exfoliating gloves, pumice, skin brushing etc.
Put a little amount of product in your hands and rub it in circular motions on the affected area. Remember that exfoliation should not hurt. So be careful not to do it extremely hard.

2) Chemical Exfoliation: When you apply a chemical over your skin it loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away.This substance is made out of proteins found in the cell membranes around the edges of the cell that bond tightly to the proteins of neighbour cells.
This kind of exfoliation can be from gentle to more aggressive, depending on how strong is the product (acid %). It is also known as Chemical peel.

Some of theses acids naturally occur in fruits while others are artificial. Some fruits like pear, apple, pineapple produce these acids. When considering this from of exfoliation, please research about acids and the suggested percentage for each one.

Skin types varies in human beings so, every case is different and it will require a different exfoliation regimen (frequency and percentage) that best suit your skin type.

ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Be extremely cautious for sensitive skin or aging.
Exfoliation should not be done to babies or children.
Pregnant woman should not exfoliate with chemicals.
After you exfoliate use UV protection or sun block SPF 15 or more because now your skin doesn't have that protective layer.

__________________
- Elsa Zoe: 29 years old, Female.
My treatment:
Daily scrubbing with Homemade Salicylic Acid Scrub; soap: homemade vegetable glycerin & essential oils. I always moisturize with organic oils. Omega 3 supplements from Mercury Free Fish Oil. Arms 100% clear.
As of January 2010: My KP has returned but this time on my thighs and a little bit on the sides of my body. Maybe it is stress related or the fact that I left my skin without exfoliating on December.

Also have psoriasis which Derm prescribed for short term use Clobetasol.
As of Jan 2010: I'm back on Clobetasol for a month.

Mi tratamiento: Exfoliacion diaria con acido salicilico. Jabon hecho en casa de glicerina vegetal y aceites esenciales. Siempre humecto la piel con aceites organicos. Tomo Omega 3 de Aceite de Pescado. Tambien padezco de psoriasis para la cual del dermatologo me receto Clobetasol para el uso no prolongado .
Desde enero 2010: Mi KP ha regresado en mis muslos, quizas debido a stress y ademas deje de exfoliarme durante el mes de diciembre. Mi psoriasis empeoro tambien, asi que estoy nuevamente bajo el tratamiento de clobetasol por un mes.