It is never too late to start taking care of your skin. Exfoliation is the first step to proper skin health, and its benefits are endless. Shedding those surface skin cells can help even skin tone/texture, prevent acne by unclogging pores, fade age spots, and maximize the absorption of your skincare. This allows the active ingredients in your products to better penetrate the layers of your skin. The process of exfoliation and consistent use of quality products, like Alastin Skincare, will ultimately help keep your skin healthy.

The Science Behind Exfoliation



Your skin protects your body from outside damage and helps regulate your body temperature, so it is crucial to keep it in peak condition. Your skin is made up of multiple layers that each have their own function. The epidermis is the outermost protective layer that also contains pigment and retains moisture for hydration. The middle layer, or dermis, provides strength and also temperature regulation. This is the layer that contains collagen and elastin. It also holds your hair follicles, nerve endings, sweat/oil glands, and blood vessels. The hypodermis is the bottom layer that cushions your bones and contains the subcutaneous fat layer that insulates the body.

When you exfoliate, you are working at the level of the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. Exfoliation sheds dead skin cells which can make your skin look and feel dull, dry or flaky. My go-to product for exfoliation is Alastin’s Resurface Skin Polish that has both a physical and chemical exfoliant. It comes in an easy-to-use squeeze bottle with a vibrant mix of volcanic minerals and glycolic acid for an extra boost. This product removes the buildup of dead skin cells without irritating or drying the skin. It is good for aging, dry, oily, or combination skin types. If that isn’t enough to convince you to try this product, it also has powerful antioxidants to further protect your skin.

How To Incorporate Exfoliation Into Your Skincare Routine

I recommend exfoliating at least once weekly. If your skin is not overly sensitive, you may be able to build up to exfoliating two or three times a week. Once you have properly exfoliated, your skin is ready to absorb skincare.

The product I like to apply immediately after exfoliation is Alastin’s HA (Hyaluronic Acid) Immerse Serum. This provides an instant moisture boost for dry, dull, dehydrated skin. It has a peptide that also helps your skin to naturally increase its own hyaluronic acid production for long term hydration and anti-aging benefits.

Next, I would apply the Restorative Skin Complex which is a powerful peptide serum that improves fine lines, helps restore volume/elasticity, improves texture/tone, and protects skin from further damage with antioxidants. This product has niacinamide for pigment,  silver mushroom for hydration and the TriHex Technology (R)  that works it’s magic all the way down to the level of the dermis. This blend of active peptides and botanicals help clear out old damaged collagen and elastin proteins in the dermis and support the skin’s ability to naturally produce new collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are what make your dermis thick and support your skin’s structure. Without this support, you start to see wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, and drooping skin.

To top off your look, add the Ultra Light Moisturizer with TriHex Technology (R) for a boost of lightweight hydration and then the HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 for sun protection with a glow.

Alastin skincare will give you that extra boost to get your skin in peak condition. Sun protection, healthy eating, hydration, smoke avoidance, and exercise are some other ways to maintain good skin health.

Set up an appointment with Layla Shadman, PA-C to discuss how to customize your skincare routine and maximize your skin health.