Why exfoliators are bad for sensitive, acne prone skin

Our skin is made of 3 layers – the epidermis, dermis and the subcutaneous layer. The epidermis is the outer most layer and can be very sensitive and often inflamed, especially for people with acne. There is a constant renewal process that occurs with our skin – on average, every 28 days new skin cells (keratinocytes) are made, and as they mature they move outwards to our skin’s surface. The cells eventually lose their organelles and nuclei (which are important parts to all cells in our body) – so basically when they reach the outer layer they die.¹ This dead skin falls off, or is cleansed off, and much of it becomes dust around our homes.

While it is important to remove the dead skill cells on the face, exfoliating acne-prone skin can be one of the worst things you can do. Firstly, it can add to the inflammation and redness by causing the already-sensitive skin to become increasingly inflamed. It can also spread any bacteria over the skin and push it into the pores to create more breakouts. Very importantly exfoliating can be too harsh for the skin’s sebum, which can then overcompensate for being stripped off during exfoliation by producing more, resulting in excess oil production.

Our poor skin needs a lot of love, because it only has a short life span before it becomes nothing but dust – but there’s no need to show it love by spending $100-$200+ on a harsh facial cleansing ‘brush’ (yes I was blown away at the cost of them too!). A better way to achieve supple skin is to use a clay mask to draw out impurities and wash away the dead skin cells. SkinB5’s 5 minute face mask is an extremely gentle way to draw out the toxins and dirt without leaving your skin sore or over-exfoliated. It contains a powerful, yet gentle combination of natural ingredients which is designed to help detoxify and purify acne-prone skin.

The clay mask can be used once a week as a deep-cleanse. I recommend using the SkinB5 Acne Control Foaming Cleanser for a gentle cleanse, followed by the non-greasy Acne Control Moisturiser in-between mask treatments as part of your daily routine. And don’t forget next time that you’re sweeping and dusting that a lot of what you’re cleaning up is actually a part of you!

References:

1. Science Lah. Live and let die! – story of skin renewal [Internet]. Yz. 2013 Feb 26. Available from: http://www.sciencelah.com/2013/02/live-and-let-die-story-of-skin-renewal/

Haley is a passionate Naturopath & nutrition expert, writer, and mum of 2 young children, with years of experience in the industry. She is a known as a real ‘nutrition nerd’ and follows the latest natural health research. As a Paleo and raw food enthusiast, she coaches people in healthy living, beauty and positive mindset. Haley has personally experienced the benefits of the SkinB5 natural acne treatment system and is happy to offer her guidance to help others regain clear skin. Follow her blog at www.aliveinwonderland.com & link with her on facebook at www.facebook.com/aliveinwonderlandhealth