What Happens When You Don’t Exfoliate: The Benefits of Peels, Facials, and More

What Happens When You Don’t Exfoliate | RefinedMD, Los Gatos

What Happens When You Don’t Exfoliate: The Benefits of Peels, Facials, and More

Maybe you’ve been told that your skin does a perfectly good job of shedding dead skin cells and doesn’t need any help—that isn’t necessarily true. While your skin will certainly continue “shedding” dead skin cells, that doesn’t mean those cells will always quickly and easily go away. They often “stick” to the skin’s surface, clogging pores and causing all kinds of problems. In fact, some of the most requested treatments at RefinedMD are designed specifically to help skin get rid of surface debris and dead skin cells so that more youthful, clear, glowing skin can be revealed. But what exactly happens if you don’t have a routine exfoliating schedule?

Poor exfoliation is a leading cause of blackheads and whiteheads, some of the most common signs of acne. You can also develop “undergrowth” without regular exfoliation. This is comprised of not only dead skin cells but also trapped dirt and oil, which can lead to ingrown hairs. This can be particularly troublesome for those who produce more oil than average.

The Look of Un-Exfoliated Skin

Those who don’t regularly exfoliate can have skin that looks dull and patchy. You might notice this as you get older because aging, sun damage, and shifts in hormone levels can reduce the growth rate of new skin cells. When this is the case, you need exfoliating help more than ever. Your skin is having trouble “turning over” skin cells, and a treatment like a chemical peel or DiamondGlow facial can be a game-changer.

Plus, without exfoliation, those medical-grade skin care products can’t really do their job. Layers upon layers of dead skin cells make it nearly impossible for your moisturizers, serums, and ointments to actually get to the skin. That’s why treatments like DiamondGlow can really help. It’s a three-step in-office treatment that removes debris and skin cells from the surface, unclogs pores, and immediately applies customized medical-grade products to the skin for optimal outcome.

What to Expect Without Exfoliation

Wrinkles, folds, and creases are more noticeable in those opting out of exfoliation. It might seem like exfoliation actually removes wrinkles, but in reality, it’s simply that unveiling the skin below the surface helps minimize the appearance of this common problem. If you really want to reduce lines and wrinkles, a chemical peel or microneedling can do the trick. Both kick-start collagen production at the treatment site, which is your body’s natural “plumper.” We produce less collagen as we get older, but it’s never too late to help your body out.

Of course, there’s one so-called sign of youth that you really don’t want—acne. However, a lack of exfoliation can bring on breakouts or make them worse. When oil is trapped under the skin, acne can occur. Exfoliation helps to keep acne at bay. And, as a bonus, exfoliation can also help your makeup look more natural. If you wear makeup, exfoliation is a must as a base, otherwise you risk results that look dry and flaky.

Exfoliation Options at RefinedMD

Finally, if you need one more push to exfoliate on a regular basis, keep in mind that lack of exfoliation can lead to skin infections and rashes. An un-exfoliated face is a fantastic hub for germs and bacteria to grow and spread. But which exfoliation approach is right for you? It all starts with a consultation so that an individualized treatment plan can be put into action. Some of the most popular options include facials like DiamondGlow, chemical peels, and microneedling. In many cases, combining these treatments (sometimes in the same session!) can take your exfoliation approach to the next level.

Chemical peels come in various strengths and are comprised of a myriad of chemicals. All are designed to remove the top layer or layers of skin, including dead skin cells and debris, so that younger skin is revealed and collagen production is re-started. Microneedling is over 100 years old and works by creating micro-injuries in the skin that are invisible to the naked eye. Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy, and is a great precursor to upgrading your skin care regimen to all medical-grade products. After all, it’s easier for those products to penetrate the skin when there are thousands of micro-channels available thanks to microneedling. Learn more about exfoliation options at RefinedMD by calling the office, or for the fastest response start a chat or complete the online form.