Numerous benefits are gained by removing the oldest dead cells that cling to the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. Whether performing exfoliation on the back, feet or face, the skin will have a fresher appearance and smoother feeling to the touch.

Epidermal skin cells are comprised mostly of keratin, a substance that also forms on hair and nails. Individual cells, called keratinocytes, grow at the lowest level of the epidermis. As new skin cells gradually push their way to the top layer, they die, break away and fall off to make room for new cells growing up from below. While it takes roughly 30 days for the newer and plumper cells to reach the top layer, the process of detachment can be nudged along with three different types of exfoliation.

• Manual sloughing with a mild abrasive such as a sea salt or a Himalayan salt scrub that does not contain environmentally damaging microbeads. This is generally used on the back.  

•Microdermabrasion, which uses aluminum oxide crystals to gently buff away the surface layer of the skin, is more commonly used on the face.  

• Chemical peels with alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids are also more frequently used on facial skin.   

As we age, the process of cell turnover can increase to 45 to 50 days. Cells can start to pile up unevenly on the skin's surface, giving it a dry, rough, dull appearance. Although exfoliation is beneficial because it removes cells that are clinging on, be aware that it is possible to over-exfoliate the delicate skin of the face. Also, caution is required in sunny climates, where over-exfoliation can leave the skin more susceptible to damage by the sun.

Lyn Sinclair, LMT, practices at 501 Goodlette Rd., Bldg. D, in Naples. For more information, call 239-961-1645 or visit LynSinclair.com.