Exfoliating the skin: how to do it and what are the benefits

[INDICE]

Exfoliation is a fundamental part of the skincare routine because it allows the skin to regenerate, renewing its surface layer and preparing it to better absorb the active ingredients contained in serums and face creams. It is now well known that the skin needs cleansing to be beautiful and healthy: removing impurities, makeup, and dead cells is something we do every day simply with a cleanser and water before applying skincare products.

But often the skin needs a deeper cleansing, a renewal, that brings out its natural beauty. In this article, we will look at the different exfoliation methods and which ones best suit your skin type, along with the benefits and contraindications of scrubs and peels.

What is skin exfoliation (and what it really does)

By skin exfoliation, we mean the process by which dead cells are removed from the outermost layer of the skin with the aim of making the surface more even and radiant. It is a common practice but not necessarily mandatory or suitable for everyone: if done incorrectly or too frequently, it can sensitize the skin and worsen redness or imperfections.

In any case, exfoliating also means helping the skin to get rid of excess corneocytes that can make the complexion dull and the texture uneven. Basically, there are two different types of exfoliation: mechanical, which is done with scrubs, special brushes, gloves, etc., and chemical, which requires the use of acids and substances that promote the detachment of cells.

Keep in mind that the stratum corneum is a natural protective barrier that serves to defend the skin and retain hydration. On this surface layer, the accumulation of cells becomes more evident even simply during periods of skin stress, or when using overly aggressive routines that compromise the skin’s balance. In these cases, the skin can appear rough and dull: this is why exfoliation, if done well, can become a smart and innovative support.

The goal of an exfoliating treatment is to accelerate the natural process of skin renewal and thus stimulate cell turnover. In this way, the complexion immediately becomes more pleasant and rosy, while in the long term it improves the appearance of imperfections such as fine wrinkles and spots.

How important is it to exfoliate the skin?

Exfoliating the skin is important because it helps maintain the efficiency of the stratum corneum, which is the first defense of the face, continuously exposed to pollution, UV rays, and other daily stresses that can make the skin dull and uneven. Furthermore, with cell turnover slowing down, for example due to hormonal factors, use of unsuitable cosmetics, or simply aging, dead cells tend to accumulate longer on the surface: the result can be a less uniform texture and a less radiant complexion.

In mature skin, in particular, skin renewal is physiologically slower and exfoliation can become a useful support, provided that formulas and frequencies compatible with often thinner and more fragile skin are chosen. In this case, “more often” does not mean “more aggressive”: too intense exfoliation can stress the barrier and have the opposite effect, causing sensitivity, dryness, and redness.

From the point of view of visible benefits, exfoliating means removing impurities and dead cells that accumulate on the surface, thus revealing more compact and radiant skin. When surface thickening is reduced, the skin also appears smoother and fine lines may be less noticeable; at the same time, more regular skin can respond better to treatments because exfoliation makes the surface more “receptive” to the active ingredients in cosmetics applied afterward, enhancing the perceived effectiveness of the routine.

Which type of exfoliation to use?

In reality, there is no one method better than the other: scrubs and peels, both chemical and enzymatic, are two effective methods of skin exfoliation. Everything changes based on sensitivity, goals, and consistency of the routine. The practical rule is to choose the most effective approach with the least impact on the skin barrier, avoiding aggressive actions.

How does a scrub work?

Scrub, or mechanical exfoliation, is achieved through a product containing microgranules or with tools such as sponges or brushes. Mechanical scrub is the most well-known and widely practiced not only for facial skin but especially for the body. It is popular because it gives an immediate effect of smoother skin, but on very sensitive skin or with inflamed acne, it can be too stimulating and increase discomfort.

A mechanical exfoliant is a granular-textured compound that removes superficial dead cells through massage and thus mechanically. It is performed with the fingertips making circular movements on cleansed and slightly damp skin, applying very light pressure. Then the excess product is removed.

Massaging the skin, lightly scraping the surface with microgranules, stimulates circulation and also has a relaxing effect. The body scrub from the Relax line has exactly this effect

The salt crystals proceed with cleansing the skin while shea butter, hazelnut oil, and essential oils soften the body skin and deeply nourish it. Additionally, thanks to the extract of Theprosia purpurea, a neurocosmetic ingredient, the scrub helps reduce cortisol production on the skin and improve the inflammatory response.

As for face scrubs, lighter consistencies with very small and regularly shaped particles are often found on the market. A mechanical scrub is perfect in every season and also suits drier skin, mature skin, and more sensitive skin, as long as pressure or treatment is not overdone, repeating it at most once or twice a week.

How do skin scrubbers work?

Alternatively, brushes or special devices for mechanical facial cleansing can be used comfortably at home. These are cosmetic devices that work through a thin mechanical blade that vibrates at high frequency and is placed on damp skin. The removal action occurs through vibration that helps detach residual corneocytes and loosen impurities such as oxidized sebum, dirt particles, or product residues. This type of chemical exfoliation can be gentler than scrubs and provide the same results while respecting the skin barrier.

What is peeling?

Peeling uses a product containing agents that induce a controlled and predictable removal of skin layers with variable depth depending on the type of substance, concentration, and mode of use. In dermatology, peels are classified by depth (superficial, medium, deep). Classic peels are performed using exfoliating acids AHA, BHA, and PHA.

At home, gentler and progressive exfoliants are generally used, while professional peels are medical procedures with protocols and risk management, including possible side effects such as post-inflammatory discolorations.

If you want to proceed with a gentler, safer exfoliation suitable for all skin types, you can opt for an enzymatic peel: a gentle form of exfoliation that does not rely on acids or granules but on enzymes often of plant origin that help weaken the bonds between superficial dead cells, facilitating their detachment without rubbing. It is generally appreciated by those with sensitive, reactive skin or who do not tolerate scrubs and acids well, because the action is more gradual and less “harsh” on the skin barrier, especially if used with controlled exposure times and without excessive frequency.

Mandelic Enzimatic Soft Peel is the exfoliating product from LeLang based on Mandelic Acid derived precisely from almonds, which stimulates cell turnover by eliminating impurities and dead cells.

Enriched with Bromelain and Papain, this enzymatic peel leaves the skin smoother and more radiant, but without the feeling of tightness.

Basically, where chemical peeling tends to be more active and adjustable in intensity, enzymatic peeling aims at smoothing the surface with a gentler approach that is easy to integrate into your routine without risks.

The benefits of exfoliation

A well-chosen exfoliation can improve texture and radiance because it reduces the superficial accumulation of corneocytes and makes the skin more even in appearance and touch. Moreover, in professional chemical peels, the skin triggers repair and renewal processes.

When the surface is less “thickened,” light reflects more evenly and the complexion appears more homogeneous. This is one of the reasons why exfoliation is often recommended during periods when the skin seems dull or rough, provided you remain gentle and consistent.

Exfoliation can help keep the surface cleaner, but if the skin is irritated or inflamed, exfoliating too much can worsen the situation. In case of active acne, especially with papules/pustules, it is better to choose less traumatic methods and evaluate the interaction with other active ingredients.

The difference between radiant skin and irritated skin often lies entirely in technique and frequency. The goal is not to feel more burning or scratching but to respect the skin barrier while achieving progressive improvement. Dermatologists recommend being gentle: light and small movements for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water (not hot). It is important not to exfoliate on sunburned skin, or with wounds or active irritations.

After exfoliation, applying a moisturizer helps reduce dryness and support the barrier. During the day, sun protection is a key step because more exposed and reactive skin can stain more easily if exposed to UV rays, especially if prone to hyperpigmentation.