Exfoliation and Acne

How to properly exfoliate different types of acne

Exfoliation is a key factor in obtaining and maintaining optimal skin health. Acne-prone skin, however, relies heavily on exfoliation to keep acne lesions from forming and to facilitate deeper penetration of active, acne-fighting ingredients. To really understand every facet of the relationship between acne and exfoliation, one must begin at the root cause of acne: Retention Hyperkeratosis.

Retention Hyperkeratosis is an inherited disorder defined by an abnormal shedding of cells within the follicle, leading to skin cells becoming stuck within the pore. The acne-prone pore sheds skin cells four to five times faster than those that are not acne-prone. This causes the build up of sticky, dead skin cells to the formation of a microcomedone, otherwise known as the beginning of all acne. Exfoliation is essential to treating acne; it keeps the follicles clear of debris, soothes inflammation, and fights bacteria.