Читать книгу The Complete Make-Up and Beauty Book - Leigh Toselli - Страница 25

Exfoliators are essential for sloughing off dead skin cells. Use once a week to boost circulation. Dead cells and dirt sit on the surface, clogging pores, and make your complexion look dull.

However, moderation is the key. The top layer of the stratum corneum defends the skin, so you don’t want to strip it. Avoid physical exfoliators like sponges, brushes, and loofahs – they are generally too abrasive and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Also avoid cream-based exfoliators that are abrasive; the formulations should feel gentle on the skin.

Chemical exfoliators don’t require rubbing and rinsing. For example, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) dissolve the protein bonds that bind dead skin cells together, allowing you to shed the cells easily. If your skin tolerates AHAs, this is the best way to control the level of exfoliation. When it comes to exfoliating, more is not better! If you notice pink or raw patches on your skin, you know you’ve overdone it.