SNAKES aren’t the only ones who shed their skin. As it turns out, exfoliation is more than just a cosmetic process – it’s one of the best things you can do to improve the appearance of your skin and keep it healthy. Exfoliation removes dead cells from the skin’s surface to help in the natural renewal process, revealing younger and healthier-looking skin underneath.
It might be one of the most popular treatments to be offered at day spas now, but it’s actually an ancient Asian tradition that dates back hundreds of years.
And when exfoliation is done well, it rejuvenates the skin, giving it a healthy glow.
One type of exfoliation is mechanical – dead skin cells are physically rubbed off with various types of scrubs. Another type of treatment, commonly used on the face, involves the use of a vitamin A product, or alpha or beta hydroxy acids.
Whether you go for a professional treatment or do it at home with an over-the-counter product, most skin-care professionals believe in the value of exfoliation. “It’s kind of like polishing your fine jewelry or china. Exfoliation helps keep your skin looking new, young and fresh,” says Dr. Stephen Comite, a Manhattan dermatologist.
Exfoliation becomes more important as you get older, according to Comite. The skin constantly generates new skin cells at the lower layer and sends them to the surface. As you age, the process of cell turnover slows down, and the skin may start to look dry and dull. Since exfoliation increases cell turnover, people might see improvement, in sunspots and wrinkling.
“Our skin is constantly exposed to different types of damaging elements,” says Dr. Lyle Leipziger, chief of plastic surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital.
“Ultraviolet radiation from the sun, air pollution, fatigue, stress and the natural aging process all affect our skin. Exfoliation helps counteract the effects of these damaging influences.” A healthy diet, exercise, stress control and sunscreen also help our skin look its best.
Comite says periodic exfoliation helps rejuvenate the skin, but people shouldn’t overdo it. If you’re suddenly noticing redness, flaking and sensitive skin, it could be time to take a break.
Dr. Rock is the director of the Non-surgical Foot and Ankle Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Reach him at drrock@nypost.com
Facing facts
* FACE Stockholm Bamboo Walnut Scrub: Slough away dead skin with this nongreasy, tough-as-nails scrub that smells like a cross between chai and lemongrass. $42 at FACE Stockholm, Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Circle; (212) 823-9415, or call (888) 334-FACE
* Diana B. Peach Frangipani Flower Sugar Scrub: Good enough to eat – it’s just sugar and fruit – but it works better on elbows, knees and feet. $50 at Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Ave.; (212) 247-1100
* Urban Rituelle Beachcomber Ruby Mango Balinese Sea Salt Scrub: This Australian scrub is made with Balinese sea salt, collected from remote beaches in Northern Bali. $25 at Anthropologie, 375 West Broadway; (212) 343-7070
* SunFX Glow All Over Body Polish: This combination of walnut shell and pumice is perfect for evening out skin before waxing, shaving and self-tanning. $40 at sunfxusa.com
* Brown Sugar Body Polish: Brown sugar mixed with evening primrose, sweet almond, apricot kernel and jojoba oils leaves your skin super soft and your tub slippery, so be careful when getting out. $62.50 at Fresh, 1367 Third Ave.; (212) 585-3400