Exfoliation (cosmetology)

[6] These types of exfoliants include microfiber cloths, adhesive exfoliation sheets, microbead facial scrubs, crêpe paper, crushed apricot kernel or almond shells, sugar or salt crystals, pumice, and abrasive materials such as sponges, loofahs, brushes, and fingernails.

Loofahs are named for the tropical and subtropical gourd within the cucumber family called luffa that is used as material to make the shower sponges.

As the luffa plant matures, its fibers dry out, allowing the shell left over to be used as the spongy material for the exfoliation tool after their seeds are removed and the gourd is sliced and shaped.

[9] Loofahs offer benefits beyond exfoliation: they effectively spread soap around the body to cleanse and they stimulate blood circulation during use.

[11] The shape and material allow exfoliation nets to dry quicker than typical sponges, so there is less accumulation of bacteria in the accessory.

[13] The plastic beads act as alternatives for natural, eco-friendly exfoliating agents such as pumice, oatmeal, and walnut husks.

[14] Due to the significant environmental impact and harm caused to marine ecosystems, microplastic beads have been banned by many countries.

[15] Pumice, an igneous rock that is composed of solidified lava that rapidly cools with gas bubbles being trapped inside of it, is commonly used as an exfoliating material.

[16] Pumice stone can be effectively used as an exfoliation tool on calluses or corns, often found on feet, to remove the dead skin cells.

[8] To effectively use a pumice stone as an exfoliation tool, soaking the affected area in warm water until the skin begins to soften is a recommended first step.

[18] A common misconception is that the vellus hair (known as peach fuzz) that is removed via dermaplaning will grow back thicker and darker, giving the appearance of a beard.

This has been denied by dermaplaning specialists, who state that the removal of the dead skin and peach fuzz does not impact growth, color, or texture of facial hair.

[20] Various other chemical exfoliation techniques were developed in multiple other civilizations, such as Greek, Roman, Turkish, Indian, and Hungarian peoples.

In Continental European beauty spa treatments, wine-producing grapes are considered to have exfoliating properties and are used in the practice of vinotherapy.

[citation needed] Technological advances in the cosmetics industry have led to innovative exfoliation techniques, such as laser resurfacing.

The top layer of the skin will continue to heal and grow back to reveal a smoother and tighter appearance.

These are designed to leave minimal amounts of untreated tissue on the skin to provide quicker healing time and less side effects.

These risks include: redness, swelling, acne, enlarged pores, skin discoloration, infection, scarring, or rashes.

Cross-section of all skin layers
Exfoliation methods used in Canada, 2011. Shown: top right, a bath sponge made of plastic mesh; lower right, a brush with a pumice stone on one side and a natural bristle brush on the other side, for foot exfoliation; lower left, a mud mask package for facial exfoliation; top left, a jar of perfumed body scrub to be used while bathing.
Pumice stone
Fractional ablative laser resurfacing procedure